Coronary artery thromboembolism: Unexpected presentation of left atrial myxoma covered with thrombus

Samet Uysal1, Ayse Zehra Karakoc2, Kadir Biyikli1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Kartal Kosuyolu Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Insights

Cardiac myxomas, rare heart tumors, can cause fatal myocardial infarction through arterial embolism. Surgical removal confirmed the myxoma as the cause of this unusual presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cardiac myxomas are primary heart tumors, typically benign.
  • They pose a significant risk of thromboembolic complications.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, linked to myocardial infarction.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed a left atrial mass, suspected as the source of coronary embolism.

Findings:

  • Coronary angiography and transthoracic echocardiography identified a left atrial mass.
  • Surgical excision and pathological examination confirmed the mass as a cardiac myxoma.

Implications:

  • This case highlights cardiac myxoma as an unusual cause of myocardial infarction.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing myxoma-related thromboembolic events.

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