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Giant myxoma in the left atrium: case report

Marcos de Paula Vale1, Adalberto Freire Sobrinho, Marcos Vinícius Sales

  • 1Hospital Luxemburgo (Fundação Mario Pena), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. marcos.vale@terra.com.br

Revista Brasileira De Cirurgia Cardiovascular : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Brasileira De Cirurgia Cardiovascular
|September 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This case study details a 63-year-old woman diagnosed with left atrial myxoma, a rare heart tumor. Surgical removal led to a successful recovery, highlighting diagnostic challenges and potential complications like pleural effusion.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cardiac myxomas are rare primary heart tumors, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.

Observation:

  • A 63-year-old woman presented with dyspnea, palpitations, and precordial pain.
  • Physical examination was unremarkable, but echocardiography revealed a large left atrial mass.
  • Tomography and catheterization confirmed the suspected myxoma.

Findings:

  • Histopathologic study confirmed the diagnosis of left atrial myxoma.
  • The patient underwent successful surgical resection of the myxoma.
  • Bilateral pleural effusion was noted, potentially linked to the myxoma.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by cardiac myxomas presenting with vague symptoms.
  • Prompt surgical intervention is effective for treating cardiac myxomas.
  • Further investigation into the relationship between myxomas and pleural effusion is warranted.

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