Left atrial myxoma presenting as acute respiratory failure

We report the unusual case of a young man with acute respiratory failure caused by a left atrial myxoma. The patient's rapid clinical deterioration and severe hypoxemia suggested the acute respiratory distress syndrome; however, unexpected physical examination findings and a markedly elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure implied cardiac abnormality. The use of echocardiography as a bedside tool allowed correct, rapid diagnosis.