Key result
Craniotomy and radiotherapy successfully manage delayed cerebral metastasis 7 months after left atrial myxoma resection.
Why the study?
Cardiac myxoma is usually curable with complete surgical excision, but delayed cerebral metastasis is extremely rare.
Case Report (n=1)
Delayed cerebral metastasis can occur even after complete resection of cardiac myxoma, highlighting the need for persistent neurological surveillance.
Persistent surveillance may be considered after myxoma resection; leaves open optimal protocols and duration.
Cardiac myxoma (CM) is the most common benign primary cardiac tumor and is usually curable with complete surgical excision. However, CM can cause systemic embolization, and delayed cerebral metastasis is extremely rare. A 54-year-old woman presented with progressive lower limb weakness and was diagnosed with multiple cerebral infarctions associated with a left atrial pedunculated tumor. The tumor was completely resected under cardiopulmonary bypass and confirmed histopathologically as CM. Seven months later, she developed transient visual disturbances and right-hand weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlarging lesions inconsistent with vascular territories. Craniotomy and histopathology with calretinin positivity confirmed metastatic myxoma. She underwent stereotactic radiotherapy and remained recurrence-free at 1 year. Even after complete resection of CM, delayed cerebral metastasis may occur. Persistent neurological surveillance and multidisciplinary management are essential for early detection and favorable long-term outcomes in patients with CM.
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Narikiyo et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Cardiac myxoma with delayed cerebral metastasis (n=1). Surgical resection, craniotomy, and stereotactic radiotherapy was evaluated on Clinical outcome (recurrence-free survival). Delayed cerebral metastasis occurred 7 months after complete resection of a left atrial cardiac myxoma, which was successfully managed with craniotomy and stereotactic radiotherapy.
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