Central Nervous System and Limb Embolism Concurrence due to Atrial Myxoma: A Case Report‏

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiac myxomas, the most common primary heart tumors, can present with varied, non-specific symptoms.
• Embolization from cardiac myxomas is a known complication, often leading to systemic or cerebral events.

Observation:

• A 78-year-old male presented with acute left lower extremity ischemia, characterized by pain, coldness, and absent distal pulses.
• Vascular imaging revealed non-perfusion in the left femoral and distal arteries.
• Surgical thrombectomy successfully removed a fatty-like mass and thrombus from the femoral artery bifurcation.

Findings:

• Histological examination of the embolic material confirmed it to be consistent with cardiac myxoma.
• Restoration of arterial inflow and palpable pulses in the left lower extremity was achieved post-operatively.
• The patient experienced gradual improvement in consciousness and lower limb function, with discharge after two weeks.

Implications:

• This case highlights cardiac myxoma as a potential, albeit uncommon, cause of peripheral arterial embolism.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing limb-threatening ischemia secondary to cardiac myxoma emboli.
• Awareness of cardiac myxoma's potential for peripheral embolization is important for clinicians managing acute limb ischemia.