What question did this study set out to answer?

To present a neuroprotective strategy during atrial myxoma resection in a child with cerebral embolism.

March 18, 2026Open Access

Neuroprotective strategies for atrial myxoma resection surgery in a child with cerebral infarction from embolic stroke

Key Result

Surgical resection of atrial myxoma with neuroprotective strategies was safely performed 5 days after an acute embolic stroke, yielding favorable recovery without hemorrhagic complications.

Key Points

To present a neuroprotective strategy during atrial myxoma resection in a child with cerebral embolism.
Descriptive case report of a child with cerebral infarction from a left atrial myxoma.
Surgical approach included decompressive craniectomy followed by myxoma resection.
Neuroprotective measures involved mild hypothermia and cerebral oximetry monitoring.
No hemorrhagic complications were reported during or after surgery.
The child exhibited favorable neurological recovery post-surgery.
There was no recurrence of the tumor after resection.

Structured PICO

Does early myxoma resection with neuroprotective strategies improve neurological recovery and prevent hemorrhagic complications in a child with atrial myxoma-related embolic stroke?

Population

1 child with acute left middle cerebral artery infarct from embolization from a left atrial myxoma

Intervention

Myxoma resection 5 days post-infarct with neuroprotective strategies (mild hypothermia, cerebral oximetry monitoring, optimized hemodynamic and metabolic parameters)

Outcome

Neurological recovery and hemorrhagic complicationshard clinical

Early surgical resection of atrial myxoma with neuroprotective strategies can be safe and effective in children following an acute embolic stroke.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Cardiac myxoma is a rare benign primary cardiac tumor in children with a high risk of cerebral embolization due to its friable and mobile nature. We present a child who developed an acute left middle cerebral artery infarct from embolization from a left atrial myxoma. He underwent decompressive craniectomy followed by myxoma resection 5 days later. Perioperative management focused on neuroprotection, including mild hypothermia, cerebral oximetry monitoring, and optimized hemodynamic and metabolic parameters. No hemorrhagic complications occurred, and the patient had a favorable neurological recovery without tumor recurrence. In myxoma-related embolic stroke, surgical resection remains the definitive treatment. Although the timing of surgery remains debated, delaying surgery even with antithrombotic bridging still poses a risk of recurrent embolism. With multidisciplinary coordination to balance the risks of hemorrhagic transformation and further embolization, early surgery can be both safe and effective.