An atypically localized atrial myxoma: a case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cardiac myxomas are typically found in the left atrium, often on the interatrial septum.
• Atypical presentations of cardiac myxomas can manifest with diverse clinical symptoms based on tumor location and characteristics.

Observation:

• A 46-year-old female patient presented with a 4 x 3 x 2-cm myxoma originating from the superior wall of the left atrium.
• Diagnostic imaging, including echocardiography and multislice tomography, identified the tumor's precise location and morphology.
• The myxoma was attached via a narrow stalk to the right wall of the left atrium, situated between the right upper and lower pulmonary veins.

Findings:

• Surgical excision was performed for the atypical cardiac myxoma.
• The resected tumor was a well-defined, encapsulated mass.
• Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with the patient discharged 6 days after surgery.
• One-year follow-up via echocardiography confirmed normal cardiac function and no tumor recurrence.

Implications:

• This case underscores that cardiac myxomas, while predominantly left-atrial, can occur in atypical locations.
• Awareness of unusual localizations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of cardiac myxomas.
• Successful surgical management of atypical cardiac myxomas leads to favorable long-term outcomes.