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Incidental Right Atrial Myxoma: Multimodal Imaging and Surgical Excision
Michael Z L Zhu1, Thiruvashrin Chetty2, Rohan V Navani3
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia.
Background:
Primary cardiac tumors are rare with an estimated incidence of 200 cases per million people (0.02%). Right atrial myxomas account for only 8% to 15% of these cases and may present incidentally, with nonspecific symptoms, or with embolic or obstructive complications. Prompt surgical excision is essential given risks of embolization, obstruction, and sudden cardiopulmonary compromise.
Case Summary:
A 62-year-old woman was found to have an incidental right atrial mass on routine imaging. Multimodal assessment with transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography pulmonary angiography demonstrated a mobile, globular right atrial mass measuring 23 × 25 × 25 mm. Complete surgical excision was performed. Histopathology confirmed myxoma. Recovery was uneventful, with no recurrence on surveillance echocardiography at 12 months.
Discussion:
Incidental findings of intracardiac masses should be urgently referred. Right atrial myxomas may mimic other cardiopulmonary and extracardiac disease and present with obstructive or embolic complications.
Take-Home Message:
This case highlights the importance of multimodal imaging, timely and complete surgical excision, and structured follow-up in achieving excellent outcomes for right atrial myxoma.
