Cardiac myxoma following transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect
Saif Sami Al-Modhaffer1, Ali Abdulamir Mohammed1, Okba F Ahmed2
1Ibn Al-Bitar Cardiac Center, Baghdad, Iraq.
Insights
A rare cardiac myxoma developed in a woman after atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. This case highlights the potential for cardiac tumors post-device implantation, even without a definitive link.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Atrial septal defects (ASD) are common congenital heart conditions.
- Cardiac myxomas are primary cardiac tumors, typically benign.
- No established association exists between ASD and cardiac myxomas.
Abstract:
To date, no significant association has been reported between atrial septal defects (ASD) and cardiac myxomas. This study reports a 56-year-old woman with cardiac myxoma following transcatheter closure of ASD. She presented with a 3-month history of recurrent dizziness, vertigo, palpitations, and generalized weakness after undergoing ASD occlusion a year earlier. Echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography scans identified a large, mobile mass (7.2 cm × 2.8 cm) in the left atrium, protruding through the mitral valve. The patient underwent median sternotomy and pericardiotomy, and the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of atrial myxoma. The current case illustrates the challenges in determining whether an atrial mass is a benign myxoma or a dangerous thrombus. While there is no definitive link between the implantation of an ASD closure device and the formation of a myxoma, the emergence of this tumor is a potential occurrence.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management


