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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
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Left atrial appendage mass: is it always a thrombus?
Hikmet Sahratov1, Adem Guler1, Mustafa Kurkluoglu1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
A rare cardiac myxoma originating from the left atrial appendage mimicked a thrombus. This case highlights diagnostic challenges in patients with mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Myxomas are the most common benign heart tumors, but rarely arise from the left atrial appendage.
- Differentiating left atrial masses (tumor vs. thrombus) preoperatively is challenging, especially with coexisting mitral valve disease and chronic atrial fibrillation.
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