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Updated: May 17, 2026

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
Published on: April 25, 2014
[Giant left atrial myxoma presenting as acute myocardial infarction]
Liliana Marta1, Marisa Peres, Miguel Alves
1Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Santarém, Santarém, Portugal. liliana.marta@gmail.com
Insights
Cardiac myxomas, though rare, can cause myocardial infarction through coronary embolization. Surgical removal of these benign cardiac tumors is effective, preventing recurrence and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors.
- Atrioventricular valve obstruction and systemic embolization are frequent presentations.
- Coronary embolization is a rare but potentially fatal complication of cardiac myxomas.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old woman presented with non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction.
- Echocardiography revealed a large, friable left atrial mass consistent with myxoma.
- Coronary angiography showed no obstructive lesions.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the left atrial mass was performed.
- Histological examination confirmed the mass as myxoma.
- The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights coronary embolization as a complication of cardiac myxoma.
- Surgical resection is an effective treatment for cardiac myxoma.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to favorable patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Myxomas are the most common type of benign cardiac tumor. The most frequent clinical presentations are symptoms resulting from atrioventricular valve obstruction or systemic embolization. Coronary embolization is a rare, although real and potentially fatal, complication of cardiac myxomas. We present a case report and review of the literature on this disease association. A 57-year-old woman was admitted to our coronary care unit with a diagnosis of non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a large left atrial mass attached to the interatrial septum, coral-like and with a friable appearance, suggestive of myxoma. Coronary angiography revealed no significant lesions and the patient underwent surgical excision of the mass, which histological study showed to be compatible with myxoma. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient is doing well, with no recurrence of myxoma.
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