Key result
Untreated right atrial myxoma prolapsing into the RV results in sudden cardiac death.
Why the study?
Cardiac myxomas can cause heart failure and fatal outcomes if not promptly detected and treated, but may be overlooked when heart failure cause is unclear.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Cardiac myxomas should be considered in patients with heart failure of uncertain etiology, as prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid fatal outcomes like sudden tricuspid valve obstruction.
May warrant prompt excision of prolapsing atrial myxomas; leaves open generalizability from single case report.
INTRODUCTION: Myxoma is the most common primary cardiac tumour. This case report illustrates the case of a probable right atrial myxoma prolapsing through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle, and the fatal outcome if such a mass is not promptly detected and excised. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year old man presented with a 1-year history of recurrent pedal and abdominal swelling, and 6-month history of progressive dyspnoea on exertion. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a large right atrial mass prolapsing through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. Patient discharged himself against medical advice and died about one hour after getting home while trying to stand up from the sitting position. CONCLUSION: Cardiac myxomas should always be considered when the cause of heart failure is not obvious. Transthoracic echocardiography remains an invaluable tool in the diagnosis, and prompt treatment is necessary to avoid fatal outcomes.
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Ojji et al. (2008) conducted a case report in Right atrial myxoma (n=1). Right atrial myxoma was evaluated on Clinical outcome. A 51-year-old man with a probable right atrial myxoma prolapsing into the right ventricle died suddenly after refusing medical treatment, highlighting the fatal outcome of unexcised cardiac masses.
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