A Left Ventricular Cardiac Myxoma Presenting as Multiple Strokes
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Updated: Nov 1, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Beatriz Maria Franco Hondermann1, Kathleen Kisseberth2, Nolan Shoukri1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA.
Background:
Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor. Left ventricular cardiac myxoma is extremely rare, representing 2% to 3% of all cardiac myxomas.
Case Summary:
A 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency room and was found to have neurological deficits and confusion. Imaging incidentally showed a left ventricular mass concerning for thrombus. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated a left ventricular wall mass with independent motion. Dedicated imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging further identified a left ventricular mass suggestive of a cardiac myxoma. Surgical excision of the mass confirmed cardiac myxoma diagnosis.
Discussion:
Cardiac myxomas can result in significant complications. The risk of embolization and recurrence is influenced by tumor characteristics of location, mobility, width, and morphology.
Take-Home Messages:
Left ventricular cardiac myxoma is a rare tumor that can present as ischemic strokes affecting multiple vascular territories. Surgical resection is indicated in most cases to prevent recurrence and morbidity.
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