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[Ischemic stroke secondary to left atrial myxoma]

J Nevado Portero1, J A Sánchez, J G Pareja

  • 1Servicios de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla. jaimenevado@hotmail.com

Anales De Medicina Interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984)
|June 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A cardiac myxoma, a rare heart tumor, caused a stroke in a 43-year-old woman. This case highlights cardiac myxoma as a cause of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cardiac myxomas are rare primary heart tumors, often benign, with potential for systemic embolization.
  • Neurological complications are the most common presentation of cardiac myxomas, leading to significant morbidity.
  • Ischemic cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, is a frequent manifestation.

Observation:

  • A 43-year-old female presented with ictal episodes and a stroke in the left middle cerebral artery territory.
  • Echocardiography revealed a left atrial myxoma as the underlying cause of the cerebrovascular event.
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed for detailed anatomical assessment of the atrial mass.

Findings:

  • The patient's stroke was attributed to embolization from the left atrial myxoma.
  • Neurological manifestations, specifically ischemic stroke, are a key clinical feature of cardiac myxoma.
  • The case underscores the importance of investigating cardiac sources for unexplained cerebrovascular events.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and surgical resection of cardiac myxomas are crucial to prevent embolic events and neurological sequela.
  • This case emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiology, neurology, and cardiac surgery.
  • Increased awareness among clinicians regarding cardiac myxoma as a cause of stroke can improve patient outcomes.

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