Historical Left Atrial Myxoma Causing an Obstructive Shock

Learning Objectives:

- Explore the clinical presentation and diagnosis of cardiac myxoma.

-Find out the potential complications of cardiac myxoma, such as embolic events and heart failure.

-Understanding the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of cardiac myxoma.

Background: Cardiac myxoma, an uncommon tumor forming in the heart, tends to occur in the left atrium and is generally non-cancerous in nature. The composition, size, and position of the tumor can lead to a range of varied signs and symptoms. These symptoms can range from barely noticeable to severe and may include heart ailments, pulmonary hypertension, and even strokes. The usual course of treatment involves surgical removal of the tumor to resolve the issue.

Case Presentation: This manuscript presents a case report of a 33-year-old male patient who presented with sudden dyspnea and was diagnosed with an extraordinarily large left atrial myxoma causing cardiogenic shock. Despite plans for surgery, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated and he eventually died due to persistent intracardiac obstruction. The article discusses the rarity of primary tumors in the heart, with myxoma being the most prevalent, and the non-specific symptoms that can manifest in a variety of ways, including cardiac, embolic, and systemic symptoms. The importance of echocardiography in diagnosing cardiac tumors and the potential complications of atrial myxomas, including mitral valve obstruction, congestive heart failure, and sudden death, are also discussed.

Conclusion: The presence of a giant left atrial myxoma, although benign, can cause severe symptoms and even be life-threatening. Diagnosis is made through echocardiography, and surgical removal of the tumor is the recommended treatment, which should be performed promptly upon diagnosis.