[Systemic vasculitis as the initial presentation of a left atrial myxoma]

Left atrial myxoma remains a diagnostic challenge. The authors briefly review previously reported cases and their individualistic clinical and laboratory features. This report documents an unusual clinical presentation, initially directing attention to the central nervous system as well as bilateral tenderness and weakness of the extremities. The illness was considered to be a vasculitis until thirty-one months later when the diagnosis of left atrial myxoma was made. The tumor was successfully removed.