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Updated: May 18, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
[Ischemic stroke induced by a left atrial myxoma]
Sayaka Hatayama1, Toshiyasu Ogata, Masakazu Okawa
1Department of Neurosurgery, Fukuoka University , Japan.
Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|October 6, 2012
Summary
This case study shows that thrombolytic therapy can be safe for ischemic stroke caused by left atrial myxoma. Careful monitoring is needed due to potential hemorrhagic transformation affecting surgery timing.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Left atrial myxoma is a rare cardiac tumor that can cause embolic events, including ischemic stroke.
- Ischemic stroke presents with neurological deficits, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old male presented with acute ischemic stroke symptoms, including aphasia and hemiparesis.
- Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a left atrial myxoma, identified as the likely cause of the stroke.
- Intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase was administered, followed by close monitoring for complications.
Findings:
- The patient tolerated thrombolytic therapy without immediate intracranial hemorrhage.
- Hemorrhagic transformation occurred on day 11, necessitating a delay in planned cardiac surgery.
- Successful surgical resection of the left atrial myxoma was performed after hemorrhage resolution, with no further neurological deterioration.
Implications:
- Thrombolytic therapy may be a viable option for acute ischemic stroke secondary to left atrial myxoma.
- Careful management of anticoagulation and monitoring for hemorrhagic transformation are crucial to optimize surgical timing for myxoma resection.
- This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac sources in cryptogenic stroke and managing potential complications of treatment.
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