Large left atrial myxoma with an unusual origin

An 82-year-old woman was investigated for weight loss and malaise.Clinical examination revealed cachexia, dyspnoea, irregular pulse, loud pan-systolic murmur best heard at cardiac apex along with a diastolic tumour plop sound.The patient underwent transthoracic ECG examination (figures 1-3).A large mass measuring 36×39 mm was noted in the left atrium.It descended into the left ventricle (LV) during diastole, leading to dynamic inflow obstruction.There was an eccentric jet of moderate mitral regurgitation, directed around the lateral border of the mass.In addition, there was severe tricuspid regurgitation, with an estimated pulmonary pressure 55-60 mm Hg.A subsequent trans-oesophageal ECG demonstrated a gelatinous, heterogeneous mass with echolucent regions attached to the anterior mitral valve leaflet.The appearance was consistent with atrial myxoma.The mitral valve apparatus appeared intact; there was dynamic LV inflow obstruction, which was considered to be the origin of the 'plop' sound.The patient was referred for urgent surgical resection.The mass and segment of the mitral valve leaflet from which it originated were excised.The anterior mitral leaflet was repaired with a bovine patch.Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of atrial myxoma.