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Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
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Giant asymptomatic left atrial myxoma
Gregoriana Zanini1, Enrico Vizzardi2,3, Matilde Nardi1
1Section of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Applied Experimental Medicine, University of Study of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Journal of Echocardiography
|June 10, 2016
Summary
Giant heart myxomas are typically symptomatic, causing obstruction or embolisms. This case highlights a rare instance of a large, asymptomatic left atrial myxoma discovered incidentally via echocardiography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cardiac myxomas are primary heart tumors, often presenting with a classic triad of symptoms.
- These symptoms include intracardiac obstruction, embolic events, and constitutional manifestations like fever and weight loss.
- Giant myxomas are defined by their large size, and asymptomatic presentation is exceedingly rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of a giant asymptomatic left atrial myxoma.
- To emphasize the importance of diagnostic imaging in identifying unexpected cardiac pathologies.
Main Methods:
- A 30-year-old female patient underwent echocardiography.
- Echocardiography revealed a large mass in the left atrium consistent with myxoma.
Main Results:
- A giant myxoma was identified in the left atrium.
- The patient was completely asymptomatic, with no signs of obstruction, embolism, or constitutional symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Giant asymptomatic left atrial myxomas, though rare, can occur.
- Echocardiography is crucial for the incidental diagnosis of cardiac tumors, even in asymptomatic individuals.
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