Giant Right Atrial Myxoma with Fulminant Progression in an Infant

Ebru Azapagasi1, Mutlu Uysal Yazici1, Mehmet Emre Ari2

  • 1Division of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Insights

A rare giant right atrial myxoma in a 2-month-old infant caused respiratory distress and cardiac arrest. This case highlights diagnostic challenges of cardiac tumors in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Pediatric Oncology

Background:

  • Cardiac myxomas are rare tumors, particularly in infants.
  • Right atrial myxomas are exceptionally uncommon in neonates and infants.

Observation:

  • A 2-month-old infant presented with respiratory distress and effusions.
  • A giant right atrial myxoma (3.1 × 3.4 × 3.9 cm) was diagnosed via CT and echocardiogram.
  • The infant experienced rapid deterioration and sudden cardiac arrest.

Findings:

  • Postmortem examination confirmed a large cardiac myxoma in the right atrium.
  • Histological analysis verified the myxoma diagnosis.
  • The tumor's size and location presented significant diagnostic challenges.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac tumors in infants with respiratory distress and effusions.
  • Atypical presentations of cardiac myxoma in infancy require heightened clinical suspicion.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric cardiac tumors.

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