[Clinical diagnostic problems in myxoma of the left atrium]

The difficulties in the diagnosis of left auricle myxoma are discussed, proceeding from seven patients, observed by the authors. In two of them the diagnosis was confirmed by EchoCG and intracardial investigation (left atriography), in three--it was realized by exploratory thoracotomy, and in one of them proceeded directly into operation with extracorporal circulation (ECC), the second was radically operated (with ECC) after one month and the third died during operation due to acute obturation of mitral ostium by an extremely big myxoma; the other two patients were also successfully operated, the diagnosis being preoperatively made. Two patients died of cardiac failure, their diagnosis made at necropsy. The atypical and fast development of a mitral defect, progressing cardiac decompensation unsusceptible to treatment, are stressed to have a diagnostic significance in myxoma of left auricle as well as the effect of body position upon the morbid symptoms, discrepancy between the size of the left auricle and the type and stage of the manifested valvular disease, corresponding to the ECG manifestation of the same in the juxtaposition with the manifestation of the ventricular hypertrophy, etc. EchoCG examination and the left (contrast) atriography are of a high diagnostic value.