Early and delayed neurological manifestations of cardiac myxomas

Leonidas D Panos1, Christophe Brunel2, Sabina Berezowska3

  • 1Departments of Neurology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

Insights

Cardiac myxoma can cause stroke and later brain tumors or aneurysms. This case highlights the rare occurrence of all these complications in one patient, suggesting radiotherapy may help manage these rare cardiac tumor sequelae.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cardiac myxomas are primary heart tumors with potential for embolic events.
  • Embolization can lead to diverse neurological complications, including stroke, aneurysms, and tumors.

Observation:

  • A 63-year-old man experienced cognitive changes and seizures 9 months post-embolic stroke.
  • He had a history of cardiac myxoma, stroke, and subsequently developed intracranial fusiform aneurysms and cerebral tumors.

Findings:

  • This case presents the rare coincidence of stroke, intracranial aneurysms, and cerebral tumors stemming from a single cardiac myxoma.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) levels normalized despite the progression of neurological manifestations.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the multifaceted and delayed neurological risks associated with cardiac myxoma embolization.
  • Low-dose whole-brain radiotherapy may be a viable treatment option for managing myxoma-related intracranial tumors and aneurysms, despite potential risks.

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