Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 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 pleural effusion
Mehmet Akif Cakar1, Caner Arslan, Ahmet Yildiz
1Sakarya Education and Research Hospital, Cardiology Department, Turkey.
Journal of Clinical Medicine Research
|April 7, 2012
Summary
Cardiac myxomas, though benign, can be lethal. This report details a rare case of a left atrial myxoma mimicking mitral stenosis, causing pulmonary edema and pleural effusion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cardiac myxomas are rare primary heart tumors.
- Left atrial myxoma is the most common type.
- These tumors, while benign, pose significant risks due to their location.
Observation:
- A rare case of left atrial myxoma is presented.
- The myxoma obstructed the mitral valve orifice.
- The patient experienced recurrent pulmonary edema and pleural effusions.
Findings:
- Left atrial myxoma can present atypically, mimicking mitral stenosis.
- This case highlights a rare association between cardiac myxoma and pleural effusion.
- Surgical excision offers an excellent prognosis for cardiac myxomas.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of cardiac myxoma's varied presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis.
- Early surgical intervention is key to managing symptomatic cardiac myxomas.
- This case broadens the understanding of potential complications associated with left atrial myxoma.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
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...
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
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...
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
01:27Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...