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Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
08:56

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

3.2K

Giant atrial myxoma

Nicola Mumoli1, Aldo Fici2, Lucia Colavolpe2

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ospedale Di Circolo, Via Arnaldo da Brescia, 1, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy. nicola.mumoli@asst-valleolona.it.

Journal of Ultrasound
|March 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A giant cardiac myxoma in the left atrium caused severe symptoms by prolapsing through the mitral valve. Surgical removal of this common primary cardiac tumor led to full recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors, often originating in the left atrium.
  • While benign, they can cause significant hemodynamic compromise, mimicking valvular disease or heart failure.
  • Giant, mobile myxomas pose a risk of severe complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To illustrate the echocardiographic findings of a giant left atrial myxoma.
  • To describe the functional consequences and hemodynamic effects of such a mass.
  • To highlight diagnostic and management considerations for atrial myxomas.

Main Methods:

  • A pictorial essay format was used.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to visualize the cardiac mass.
  • Clinical presentation, echocardiographic images, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Echocardiography revealed a large, pedunculated left atrial mass attached to the interatrial septum.
  • The myxoma dynamically prolapsed through the mitral valve during diastole, causing obstruction and severe mitral regurgitation.
  • Surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis and resulted in complete clinical recovery.

Conclusions:

  • Giant left atrial myxomas can present with significant symptoms due to valvular obstruction.
  • Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing cardiac myxomas and assessing their hemodynamic impact.
  • Prompt surgical intervention is effective for treating symptomatic atrial myxomas.

Keywords:
Heart failureLeft atriumMyxoma

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