Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Transmural breakthrough and epicardial growth of right atrial myxoma: a case report
Nina Sophie Pommert1,2, Thomas Puehler1,2, Anas Aboud1,2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Luebeck 23562, Germany.
Background:
Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumour, typically presenting as a pedunculated mass growing in the left atrium. Clinical presentation may range from dyspnoea, palpitations, and heart failure to sudden cardiac death, depending on location, size, and mobility. In this report, we describe the case of a giant right atrial myxoma with transmural breakthrough and epicardial growth as well as its successful surgical resection.
Case Summary:
A 65 year-old male patient presented with progressive coronary artery disease following prior coronary artery bypass grafting. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess myocardial vitality, incidentally revealing a round mediastinal tumour of over 6 cm in diameter with compression of the right atrium and the superior and inferior vena cava. As he was experiencing dyspnoea and pectanginous complaints, the patient opted for surgical removal. The epicardial mass was successfully resected under cardiopulmonary bypass and was histologically classified as a myxoma.
Discussion:
Transmural breakthrough and epicardial growth of cardiac myxomas are extremely rare. Surgical resection can confirm the unexpected diagnosis and alleviate symptoms of heart failure.
More Related Videos
08:42Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
06:29Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management