Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Stroke from a large left atrial myxoma
Hitoshi Hirose1, Benjamin A Youdelman, John W C Entwistle
1Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. genex@nifty.com
The Open Cardiovascular Medicine Journal
|May 12, 2009
Summary
A patient experienced an embolic stroke caused by a left atrial myxoma. Surgery was delayed to minimize risks, and a subsequent mitral valve repair was successful.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Embolic stroke can arise from cardiac tumors like left atrial myxoma.
- Management requires balancing anticoagulation risks with surgical necessity.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of embolic stroke secondary to left atrial myxoma.
- To describe the management strategy involving delayed surgery.
- To highlight the intraoperative findings and repair of mitral regurgitation.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 36-year-old male with embolic stroke.
- Delayed open heart surgery for myxoma resection.
- Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography for assessment of mitral regurgitation.
Main Results:
- Successful resection of the left atrial myxoma.
- Severe mitral regurgitation identified and repaired during surgery.
- Patient management prioritized minimizing neurologic complications.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial myxoma is a potential cause of embolic stroke.
- Delayed surgical intervention can mitigate anticoagulation-related neurological risks.
- Transesophageal echocardiography is vital for intraoperative cardiac assessment and repair.
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...