The neurological aspects of atrial myxoma

Clinical and Experimental Neurology
|January 1, 1979
PubMed

Insights

This study highlights two rare cases of left atrial myxoma, emphasizing echocardiography

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Left atrial myxoma is a rare cardiac tumor.
  • Historically diagnosed postmortem, advancements have improved detection.

Observation:

  • Two cases of left atrial myxoma presented to a neurological unit.
  • Echocardiography proved crucial in evaluating stroke patients, particularly young individuals or those with multiple lesions.
  • One case presented unusual electrocardiographic changes linked to altered consciousness.

Findings:

  • Echocardiography and cine-angiography enable effective diagnosis and treatment of cardiac myxomas.
  • Early detection of left atrial myxoma can prevent severe neurological sequelae.

Implications:

  • Increased clinical awareness of left atrial myxoma is vital for timely diagnosis.
  • Echocardiography should be considered in the routine assessment of stroke patients, especially in specific demographics.
  • Further investigation into ECG changes associated with altered consciousness in myxoma cases is warranted.

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