Morphology of Cardiac Myxoma: A Case Series with Review of Literature

Although rare, atrial myxomas constitute the most common benign cardiac tumors. Atrial myxoma presents a fascinating problem because of its rarity, manifestations and curability. Symptoms may be related to the hemodynamic effects of obstruction, to embolic phenomena or to systemic manifestations which may mimic collagen disease. Echocardiography is currently the most important noninvasive diagnostic modality available for imaging cardiac tumors. They have an excellent prognosis following surgical excision with occasional recurrence. We report eleven cases of atrial myxoma in seven females and four males of 14 - 66 year age group, with nine in left atrium and two in right atrium. Two-dimensional Color Doppler Echocardiography revealed pedunculated masses protruding into atrial chambers. All patients underwent successful surgical excision of the tumor and are asymptomatic since then. None of the patients had recurrence.