Cerebrovascular manifestations of tumors of the heart

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Oncology

Background:

• Primary cardiac tumors, particularly myxomas, are rare causes of ischemic stroke and intracranial aneurysms.
• These tumors can present atypically, with ischemic stroke often being the first noticeable symptom, even in younger individuals.
• While other cardiac tumors like valvular fibroelastoma can also lead to stroke, myxomas are the most frequent culprits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of primary cardiac tumors as an etiology for ischemic stroke and intracranial aneurysms.
• To highlight the clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management of cardiac tumors presenting as neurological events.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical data from patients presenting with ischemic stroke and intracranial aneurysms.
• Analysis of diagnostic imaging, including cardiac imaging, to identify cardiac masses.
• Evaluation of inflammatory markers as potential diagnostic clues.

Main Results:

• Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors associated with stroke, frequently located in the left atrium.
• Elevated inflammatory markers can suggest the presence of a cardiac myxoma.
• Cardiac imaging is crucial for definitive diagnosis of the cardiac mass.

Conclusions:

• Primary cardiac tumors, especially myxomas, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke and intracranial aneurysms.
• Prompt diagnosis via cardiac imaging and subsequent surgical excision of the tumor can be curative.
• Awareness of this association is vital for effective patient management and prevention of recurrent events.