Cardiac Myxoma: 10 Years Study of Presentations, Resection and Outcome

Abstract

Background: Cardiac myxoma is a very rare heart tumor which presents as life threatening mass in cardiac chamber. The tumor may present with vague symptoms which can lead to delay in diagnosis. Methods: 22 patients underwent complete excision of intracardiac myxoma between January 2011 and December 2020. Majority of the patients were females (60%) with mean age of 48.9 years who presented with symptoms of dyspnea on exertion. 3 patients had significant complications due to myxoma. 2 presenting with tumor embolism and limb ischemia while 1 patient presented with pulmonary edema. All patients were diagnosed by echocardiography which helped in evaluation of size and extent of tumor. Majority of patients underwent trans-septal biatrial approach for tumor excision. Results: 95% of patients survived the operation. The mean tumor size excised was 5.0 ± 1.6 cm in the largest diameter. 11 patients had sessile tumor while 1 patient had dumb bell tumor occupying both atria. 15 patients were surviving the operation while 2 deaths happened after 6 years of surgery. Conclusion: Cardiac myxomas are rare tumors which can cause severe systemic and cardiac symptoms in patients. Early diagnosis and immediate surgical management give excellent early and long-term results.