Surgical excision of left atrial myxoma in a 54-year-old Afro-Caribbean woman resulted in complete tumor removal and no recurrence at one year, with the patient remaining asymptomatic.
Case Report (n=1)
No
This case highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion and multimodality imaging for the timely diagnosis and curative surgical excision of silent left atrial myxomas presenting with mild, non-specific symptoms.
Although cardiac myxomas are benign tumors, they can be associated with significant symptoms and serious embolic complications. Timely investigations and diagnosis can prevent a myriad of complications. Definitive treatment, in the form of surgical excision, can prevent life-threatening embolization. They are the most common benign cardiac tumors, but they remain relatively rare and can mimic inflammatory disorders. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is warranted when evaluating certain symptoms. This is the case report of a middle-aged, Afro-Caribbean woman who presented with mild dyspnea. Further investigations led to the finding of a silent left atrial myxoma. Caribbean data on incidence and prevalence are sparse. Education regarding presentation and indications for anticoagulation is useful and relevant, as treatment is evolving. A multidisciplinary approach to managing these patients is essential.
Alfred-Demas et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Left atrial myxoma (n=1). Surgical excision of left atrial myxoma was evaluated on Complete surgical removal of left atrial myxoma with no recurrence at 1 year follow-up. Surgical excision of left atrial myxoma in a 54-year-old Afro-Caribbean woman resulted in complete tumor removal and no recurrence at one year, with the patient remaining asymptomatic.
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