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Cardiac myxomas--clinical spectrum and outcome
Fateh Ali Tipoo Sultan1, Ali Syed, Khawar Kazmi
1Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. tipoo90@hotmail.com
Insights
Cardiac myxomas are rare heart tumors, often presenting with shortness of breath or neurological symptoms. Surgical removal offers a safe and effective cure for this potentially curable heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Cardiac myxomas are rare primary heart tumors.
- They can present with diverse symptoms affecting multiple organ systems.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes of patients with cardiac myxomas.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical management for cardiac myxomas.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital from 1999 to 2004.
- Data from 14 patients diagnosed with cardiac myxomas were analyzed.
- Transthoracic echocardiography was the primary diagnostic tool, and follow-up data was collected via clinical records and telephone interviews.
Main Results:
- Female predominance (64%) with a mean age of 47 years.
- Dyspnea (71%) and neurological symptoms (50%) were the most common presentations.
- Left atrial location (100%) attached to the interatrial septum (64%) was typical.
- Surgical excision in 8 patients resulted in good outcomes with no peri/postoperative mortality.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac myxomas are rare, curable heart conditions with a female predilection.
- Dyspnea and embolic events are common clinical features.
- Surgical excision of cardiac myxomas is a safe and effective treatment modality.
Objective:
To describe the characteristics and outcome of patients with cardiac myxomas.
Design:
A case series.
Place And Duration Of Study:
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), from 1999 to 2004.
Patients And Methods:
All patients diagnosed and managed as having cardiac myxomas at AKUH, during a period of six years (1999-2004) were included. Data was collected by reviewing clinical records. Follow-up data was collected from the clinical records and by a telephone interview where required.
Results:
Out of 15 patients who were diagnosed to have cardiac myxomas, complete information was available in 14 patients. There was a female predominance (64%) with a mean age of 47 years. About two-thirds (71%) had symptom of dyspnoea. Half of the patients (50%) had neurological symptoms at presentation. Constitutional symptoms were present in 36% of patients. About two-third of patients (71%) had positive findings on cardiac auscultation. None of the patients had any rhythm abnormalities on the ECG. Diagnosis was made by transthoracic echocardiography in all patients. All of the tumors were located in the left atrium, and majority (64%) were attached to the interatrial septum. All patients were advised surgical treatment, however, only 8 (57%) were operated upon. Outcome was good in those who were operated upon, with no peri and postoperative mortality.
Conclusions:
Cardiac myxomas are a rare, but potentially curable form of heart disease. They occur in a wide range of age groups with a female predominance. Dyspnea is the most common clinical feature followed by embolic complications. Left atrium is the most common site of location. Surgical excision is a safe and effective procedure.
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