Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
[Left atrial myxoma with atypical localization]
Nilüfer Ekşi Duran1, Mehmet Ozkan
1Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Yüksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. eksduran@yahoo.com
Summary
A mobile left atrial mass was identified in a 37-year-old man presenting with palpitations. Surgical excision and histopathology confirmed the mass as a cardiac myxoma.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors, often presenting with constitutional symptoms or embolic events.
- This case highlights a large, mobile left atrial myxoma causing significant intracardiac flow disturbance.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male presented with palpitation and fatigue, with a moderately elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large (6.5 x 1.5 cm), mobile left atrial mass attached by a pedicle to the interatrial septum.
Findings:
- The mass prolapsed through the mitral valve during the cardiac cycle, indicating a risk of obstruction and embolism.
- Histopathologic examination of the surgically excised mass confirmed it to be a myxoma.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical resection of cardiac myxomas are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
- This case underscores the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing intracardiac masses and guiding management.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...