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Stroke due to a cardiac myxoma
Rustam Al-Shahi Salman1, David Northridge2, Alastair N J Graham3
1University of Edinburgh, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.
BMJ Case Reports
|August 9, 2025
Summary
Cardioembolic stroke, a common cause of stroke in young adults, can arise from atrial myxoma. This case highlights an unusual presentation of cardioembolic stroke in a young woman with an asymptomatic atrial myxoma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cardioembolic stroke is a significant cause of cerebrovascular events, particularly in younger populations.
- Atrial myxoma, a primary cardiac tumor, can embolize and lead to stroke.
- Typical presentations of atrial myxoma often include systemic symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an atypical case of cardioembolic stroke in a young woman.
- To investigate the link between an asymptomatic atrial myxoma and stroke.
- To highlight the importance of considering cardiac sources in cryptogenic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a young woman with ischemic stroke.
- Diagnostic workup including echocardiography and neurological imaging.
- Review of literature on cardioembolic stroke and atrial myxoma.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced a cardioembolic stroke.
- Atrial myxoma was identified as the source of embolism.
- The patient's atrial myxoma was asymptomatic, lacking systemic manifestations.
Conclusions:
- Atrial myxoma can cause cardioembolic stroke even without systemic signs.
- Young patients with stroke should be evaluated for cardiac embolic sources.
- Atypical presentations necessitate a thorough diagnostic approach.
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