Masquerading myxoma

Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac neoplasms. They are generally benign and most commonly arise from the left atrium. The clinical course of the left atrial myxoma is characterized by symptoms resulting from obstructive, embolic, or "constitutional" effects of the tumor (Goodwin, Lancet. 1963;1:464; Selzer et al, Am J Med. 1972;52:9; Nasser et al, Am Heart J. 1972;83:694). Obstructive symptoms are most common. Generally symptoms of the obstructive presentation are represented by dyspnea, pulmonary edema, or syncope. Embolic ischemic symptom manifestations are typically cerebral, although they could be peripheral (Greenwood, Am Heart J. 1972;83:694). Constitutional symptoms are seen in 50% of patients. Weight loss, low-grade fever, myalgia, arthralgia, and rash are typical nonspecific constitutional manifestations. Here, we describe an unusual clinical presentation of left atrial myxoma in a young boy, which initially was assessed as allergic dermatitis and later as vasculitis.