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Case Report| Volume 25, ISSUE 5, P289-291, May 2022

A unique and atypical presentation of heart failure secondary to incidental left atrial myxoma in a patient post gynecological surgery

Published:December 19, 2021DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jccase.2021.11.008

      Abstract

      Primary tumors of the heart are rare where nearly half of the benign cardiac masses are myxomas. Clinical features of myxoma are determined by their location, size, and mobility. Most patients present with one or more of the triad of embolism, intracardiac obstruction, and constitutional symptoms. Herein, we present the case of a 60-year-old female with a history of genital prolapse who had new onset worsening dyspnea two days after an elective total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, and vaginal repair. She was initially thought to have a pulmonary embolism so had a computed tomography scan that revealed a cardiac mass, which was diagnosed to be a myxoma. Although rare, atrial myxomas can present in any patient population. This case report is educational as it highlights the atypical presentation of an atrial myxoma. To facilitate appropriate management, high degree of suspicion should be complemented with a comprehensive physical examination and set of investigations.
      <Learning objective: Cardiac myxomas are benign tumours that usually arise in the atria. Myxomas are rare, but can be present in any patient population. If symptoms are present, surgical resection of myxoma is indicated.>

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