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Systemic Embolization and Myocardial Infarction due to Clinically Unrecognized Left Atrial Myxoma

Britta Vogel1, Dierk Thomas, Derliz Mereles

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Medical University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.

Case Reports in Medicine
|December 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This case highlights a severe left atrial myxoma presenting as stroke and arterial embolism, mimicking vasculitis. Early diagnosis and surgical removal are crucial to prevent life-threatening thromboembolic complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors.
  • Left atrial myxoma can present with diverse and severe systemic complications.
  • Distinguishing myxoma from other conditions like vasculitis is clinically important.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with stroke, myocardial infarction, and widespread arterial embolism (aorta, splenic, renal, peripheral arteries).
  • The patient had a prior diagnosis of systemic vasculitis, which was later identified as a manifestation of myxoma-related emboli.
  • The cardiac myxoma was surgically removed, and atrial septum reconstruction was performed.

Findings:

  • The severe presentation mimicked systemic vasculitis due to multiple arterial emboli originating from the myxoma.
  • Successful surgical intervention involved myxoma resection and atrial septum repair.

Implications:

  • Early differentiation between cardiac myxoma and vasculitis is critical for appropriate management.
  • Prompt surgical excision of cardiac myxoma is essential to mitigate the risk of severe thromboembolic events.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac myxoma in patients with unexplained embolic phenomena and vasculitic features.

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