A case report of left atrial myxoma presenting as embolic stroke

Embolic stroke may rarely be the first presenting symptom of atrial myxoma. Multiple infarcts should be evaluated for embolic causes. Correct etiological diagnosis in cardio-embolic stroke guides proper management strategy. It reinforces on the importance of early echocardiogram in the initial evaluation of patients presenting with ischemic stroke.

Atrial myxoma is a benign cardiac tumor found most commonly in the left atrium in 80% of the cases. Almost 1 in 10 myxomas are familial and are most common in women. Cardiac myxoma mostly present with dyspnea, fatigue, or palpitations. Previously undiagnosed left atrial myxoma (LA) presenting as stroke is extremely rare. Authors describe the case of a middle-aged man with LA myxoma presenting with acute ischemic embolic stroke that was surgically excised. This case report emphasizes on the rare presentation as embolic stroke and the role of cardiac imaging in patients presenting with ischemic stroke. Early and coordinated teamwork among the neurologist, cardiologist, and cardiothoracic surgeon help establish the etiology and provide appropriate treatment.