Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025

In Vivo Electrophysiological Measurement of Compound Muscle Action Potential from the Forelimbs in Mouse Models of Motor Neuron Degeneration
Published on: June 15, 2018
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.
Abstract:
Cardiac myxoma can embolize and cause early and delayed sequelae including stroke, growth into intracranial fusiform aneurysms and cerebral tumors with risk of hemorrhage and mass effect. Here, we report the rare coincidence of all these manifestations in a 63-year-old man who presented with cognitive and behavioral changes, and seizures 9 months after an embolic stroke from the heart tumor. C-reactive protein (CRP) was elevated at the time of stroke and cardiac myxoma diagnosis but was normal at late neurologic manifestation with isolated myxoma-related intracranial tumors and aneurysms. Low-dose whole-brain radiotherapy can be helpful to diminish cerebral myxoma tumors and fusiform aneurysms despite reported increased risk of aneurysm rupture.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

