[Recurrent multiple cardiac myxomas: report of a case]

A case of recurrent multiple cardiac myxomas was presented. The patient was a 27-year-old housewife. Four years ago, she underwent urgent resection of a left atrial myxoma and replacement of the interatrial septum with a patch graft by right atrial approach. The tumor was very friable and a part of the tumor dropped into cardiac chambers during the operation, and immediately saline lavage and aspiration were performed. The recovery was uneventful. On March, 1981, she was readmitted to our hospital because of increasing dry cough. Two-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated abnormal masses in the right atrium, right ventricle, and left atrium. Open heart surgery revealed three independent tumors, which were successfully removed. All tumors were benign myxomas histologically. The patient returned to full-time housework again. A case of recurrent multiple myxomas has not been previously reported. The recurrence of the myxoma in our case is thought to be caused by implantation of tumor cells during the initial operative procedure. Our case will suggest the malignant potentiality of cardiac myxoma. The necessity of radical excision and gentle handling of the tumor during the operation are reemphasized. Postoperative follow-up study is also mandatory for early detection of the recurrence of this potentially malignant neoplasm.