Histopathological Features and Variants of Cardiac Myxoma: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Cardiac myxoma is a primary benign neoplasm and accounts for 75% of surgically excised cardiac masses. 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. This study is a comprehensive review of Cardiac myxoma. 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 thirteen cases of atrial myxoma in seven females and six males of the 14-66-year age group, with ten in the left atrium and three in the 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. Surgery is a potential cure for myxomas. The rate of operative mortality ranges from 0–3%.