Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
08:42
Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
Cardiac Myxoma Causing Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction and Syncope in Rural Tanzania
Alina Murji1, Eva Mujuni2, Shija Mahenda3
1Department of Radiology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania.
JACC. Case Reports
|August 15, 2026
Summary
A rare left ventricular myxoma caused recurrent syncope in a Tanzanian woman. Early diagnosis via point-of-care ultrasound and multidisciplinary care enabled successful surgical resection in a resource-limited setting.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Left ventricular myxomas are rare primary cardiac tumors.
- Recurrent syncope can be a symptom of significant cardiac pathology, including outflow tract obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of left ventricular myxoma presenting with syncope in a resource-limited setting.
- To highlight the role of point-of-care ultrasound and multidisciplinary collaboration in diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- A 20-year-old woman with recurrent syncope underwent point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in rural Tanzania.
- Further evaluation included transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography.
- The patient underwent surgical resection of the left ventricular mass.
Main Results:
- POCUS identified a cardiac mass, leading to transfer and comprehensive evaluation.
- A left ventricular mass was diagnosed, causing intermittent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
- Successful surgical resection was performed.
Conclusions:
- Point-of-care ultrasound, echocardiography, and CT are vital for diagnosing cardiac masses in remote areas.
- Multidisciplinary teamwork and referral protocols are crucial for improving access to cardiac surgery in resource-limited settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
01:27Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
01:23Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...