Key result
Fatal right atrial myxoma presenting as recurrent PE highlights the need for early echocardiography.
Why the study?
Patients presenting with idiopathic pulmonary embolism may have rare but treatable right heart diseases that are not initially diagnosed.
Population
A 69-year-old man with right-sided pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea
Comparison
None; case report of myxoma mistaken for recurrent pulmonary embolism
Design
Case report
Authors
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Rare myxoma mimicking recurrent PE supports early echocardiography in select cases; single observation leaves open routine use and outcome impact.
Case Report (n=1)
Echocardiography should be considered early in patients with presumed idiopathic pulmonary embolism to rule out rare right heart masses such as atrial myxoma.
Jardine et al. (1997) conducted a case report in Right atrial myxoma mistaken for recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism (n=1). Echocardiography (diagnostic recommendation) was evaluated on Necropsy findings after death. A 69-year-old man treated for recurrent pulmonary embolism died after 6 months and was found at necropsy to have a 50 mm right atrial myxoma, highlighting the need for early echocardiography.
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