Cutaneous findings associated with cardiac myxomas
D M Greeson1, J E Wright, M D Zanolli
1Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Insights
Diagnosing cardiac myxomas can be difficult, as they mimic other diseases. Early recognition of cardiac myxomas, including skin findings, is crucial for preventing serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cardiac myxomas, though benign, pose diagnostic challenges.
- Echocardiography has improved detection, but clinical presentation can be misleading.
- These tumors can mimic systemic diseases, delaying diagnosis.
Observation:
- Cardiac myxomas can present with diverse clinical and laboratory findings.
- Cutaneous manifestations are important clues for diagnosis.
- A case of left atrial myxoma with indicative skin lesions is presented.
Findings:
- Cardiac myxomas can cause obstruction and arterial embolism, leading to morbidity and mortality.
- Nonfamilial and familial forms exist.
- Specific skin lesions and multifocal findings warrant consideration of cardiac myxoma.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical excision of cardiac myxomas can prevent long-term sequelae.
- Clinicians should consider cardiac myxoma in differential diagnoses with suggestive cutaneous findings.
- Increased awareness of varied presentations can improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The clinical diagnosis of cardiac myxomas remains a challenge despite the advent of echocardiographic technology. These tumors may produce a variety of clinical and laboratory findings that can mimic systemic disease and obscure the proper diagnosis. Although histologically benign, cardiac myxomas may cause significant morbidity and mortality via intracardiac obstruction and arterial embolism. Possible long-term sequelae may be avoided by early recognition and prompt surgical excision. We briefly review the various findings associated with cardiac myxomas (nonfamilial and familial) with emphasis on cutaneous presentations. An illustrative case of left atrial myxoma with cutaneous findings contributing to the diagnosis is discussed. Certain skin lesions and multifocal clinical findings should alert the clinician to consider cardiac myxoma in the differential diagnosis.
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