Pediatric Cardiac Myxoma: A Rare Cause of Stroke in a Six-Year-Old Child

Nada Alguizzani1, Maryam Alomair1, Shaaban Halawa2

  • 1Department of Surgery, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Insights

A pediatric stroke revealed a left atrial myxoma in a six-year-old child. Surgical removal of the cardiac tumor led to significant neurological recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Left atrial myxomas are rare primary cardiac tumors, often presenting with embolic phenomena.
  • Pediatric stroke is a significant clinical event with diverse etiologies.

Observation:

  • A six-year-old child presented with acute neurological deficits suggestive of a stroke.
  • Diagnostic workup identified a left atrial myxoma as the likely source of cerebral embolism.

Findings:

  • The left atrial myxoma was surgically excised four days after the initial stroke symptoms.
  • Post-operative recovery showed nearly complete resolution of neurological deficits.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac tumors in the differential diagnosis of pediatric stroke.
  • Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention for left atrial myxoma can lead to favorable neurological outcomes in children.

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