Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
08:42
Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
3.5K
An Incidental Myxoma Hidden in Chest Pain
Joana Gomes Cochicho1, José Miguel Silva1, Rita Louro1
1Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Doutor José Maria Grande, Portalegre, PRT.
Cureus
|October 18, 2023
Summary
This case highlights a rare cause of chest pain: a cardiac myxoma mimicking a heart attack. Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing this uncommon condition, leading to successful surgical removal and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chest pain is a frequent emergency department complaint with a broad differential diagnosis.
- Prompt identification of critical conditions is essential for effective patient management.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with chest pain, initially suspected as non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction.
- Transthoracic echocardiography identified a large left atrial mass, consistent with cardiac myxoma.
Findings:
- Coronary angiography revealed no significant coronary artery disease.
- Surgical excision confirmed the mass as an atrial myxoma; the patient recovered well post-operatively.
Implications:
- Cardiac myxomas, though rare, can present atypically, mimicking acute coronary syndromes.
- This case underscores the diagnostic value of echocardiography in evaluating chest pain and identifying rare cardiac tumors.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
9
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
9
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
12
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
12
01:29Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
9
Angina manifests as chest pain, tightness, or squeezing discomfort typically located behind the breastbone. It can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, and inner aspects of the upper arms, most commonly the left arm. Patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, profuse sweating, dizziness, indigestion, heartburn, palpitations, anxiety, and vomiting as accompanying symptoms. This pain often lasts a few minutes and is triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, heavy meals, or cold...
9
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
10
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
10
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
9
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
9
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
7
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
7