[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.

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