A Fast-Growing Myxoma of the Left Atrium

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors, often presenting with diverse symptoms including mitral obstruction.
• Left atrial myxoma can mimic other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
• Pulmonary edema can be an initial, albeit atypical, manifestation of left atrial myxoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a rapidly growing left atrial myxoma presenting as dyspnea and pulmonary edema.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and the importance of echocardiography in identifying cardiac masses.
• To highlight the successful surgical management and favorable outcome of cardiac myxoma resection.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 50-year-old female patient presenting with dyspnea.
• Initial diagnosis considered COPD exacerbation, with subsequent transthoracic echocardiography revealing a left atrial mass.
• Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the mass causing severe mitral obstruction; urgent surgical resection was performed.

Main Results:

• A large, polypoid mass was identified in the left atrium, causing significant mitral valve obstruction.
• Histological examination confirmed the mass as a cardiac myxoma.
• The patient experienced complete recovery post-surgery with no tumor recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac myxoma can present atypically with symptoms mimicking other cardiopulmonary conditions.
• Transthoracic echocardiography is highly sensitive for detecting cardiac masses and is essential for diagnosis.
• Prompt surgical intervention for cardiac myxoma is effective in resolving obstruction and ensuring good patient outcomes.