Surgical Management of Cardiac Myxoma

OBJECTIVE: Between 1994 and December 2003, 55 patients were operated for cardiac myxoma in Kosuyolu Heart and Research Hospital in Istanbul. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our results according to the preoperative characteristics, operative procedures, and postoperative courses. RESULTS: Of 55 patients operated, 36 (65.4%) were female and 19 (34.6%) male. The average age of the patients was 48 +/- 15.5 years (range, 12-75). Thirteen patients (23.6%) previously had cerebrovascular accidents. Peripheral arterial emboli had occurred in 11 (20%) patients. The majority of the patients (44.4%) were in NYHA Class II preoperatively. One patient was presented with Carney's complex. Most frequent location was the left atrium (85.2%). Eight patients had concommitant surgery together with myxoma extirpation. Postoperative courses were uneventful. Three patients had a new onset atrial fibrillation, two had transient conduction disturbances. There were two (3.6%) in-hospital deaths. No recurrences have been noted during the 82.4 +/- 40.6 months (a total of 315.75 patient/years) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of cardiac myxoma gives excellent results. In selected cases, a conservative approach may be adequate. Despite the scarcity of the neoplastic properties, careful follow-up is necessary.