Summary
Definition
Myxoma is the most common cardiac tumour and constitutes 50% of all benign cardiac tumours in adults, but only 15% of such tumours in children. About 75% of primary cardiac tumours are benign. Most myxomas are found in the left atrium (75%) and in decreasing frequencies in the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle.
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]:
Large left atrial myxoma
From the collection of Dr Syed Wamique Yusuf, Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; used with permission
[Citation ends].
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]:
Macroscopic view of a left atrial myxoma
R Al-Shahi Salman, D Northridge, ANJ Graham, R Grant. BMJ Case Reports 2009; doi:10.1136/bcr.09.2008.0875
[Citation ends].
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- presence of risk factors
- dyspnoea
- syncope
- dizziness
- CHF/pulmonary oedema
- embolic manifestations
- systolic or diastolic murmur
- tumour plop
Other diagnostic factors
- weight loss
- fatigue
- fever
- pallor
- arthralgia
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- loud first heart sound
- opening snap
- Carney's complex
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- C-reactive protein
- protein electrophoresis
- CT scan (chest)
- MRI scan (chest)
- biopsy
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors VIEW ALL
Professor of Medicine
Department of Cardiology
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston
TX
Disclosures
SWY is Co-Director of the American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Board Review Course, at which he also delivers lectures.
Dr Syed Wamique Yusuf would like to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Dr Daniel J. Lenihan. DJL declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers VIEW ALL
Associate Professor of Medicine
Stanford University
Stanford
CA
Disclosures
PH declares that he has no competing interests.
Chief
Cardiology Service
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York
NY
Disclosures
RS declares that he has no competing interests.
Integrated Lead Cardiologist
Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust and Cardiac Department
Worthing Hospital
Worthing
UK
Disclosures
BK declares that he has no competing interests.
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