Cerebral Metastasis From Recurrent Atrial Myxoma: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Oncology

Background:

• Atrial myxomas are benign cardiac tumors with potential for embolization and severe complications.
• Recurrence and distant metastasis of atrial myxomas are exceptionally rare events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of a young patient experiencing both late recurrence and cerebral metastasis of an atrial myxoma.
• To underscore the importance of long-term surveillance for atrial myxoma patients.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 33-year-old male with a history of left atrial myxoma resection.
• Utilized brain imaging (MRI) and echocardiography to diagnose and monitor the condition.
• Involved surgical resection and gamma knife radiosurgery for metastatic lesions.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with ischemic strokes, later confirmed to be due to recurrent left atrial myxoma.
• Subsequent development of neurological symptoms led to the diagnosis of cerebral metastasis.
• Pathological examination confirmed myxomatous origin of the brain lesions.

Conclusions:

• This case illustrates two rare complications of atrial myxoma: delayed recurrence and central nervous system metastasis.
• Highlights the necessity for extended patient monitoring, even after decades post-initial resection.
• Emphasizes considering CNS metastatic disease in patients with neurological symptoms and a history of cardiac myxoma.