Key result
Surgical excision and histopathology identify a rare aortic valve myxoma causing recurrent embolic strokes.
Why the study?
Aortic valve myxomas are exceptionally rare benign cardiac tumors with substantial embolic potential and diagnostic uncertainty due to imaging overlap with other valvular tumors.
Case Report (n=1)
Aortic valve myxomas are rare but carry significant embolic risk, and distinguishing them from other valvular tumors requires histopathologic confirmation.
Recurrent embolic strokes may signal rare aortic valve myxoma; leaves open whether histopathology should routinely supplant imaging in valvular masses.
BACKGROUND: Aortic valve myxomas are exceptionally rare benign cardiac tumors with substantial embolic potential. Their imaging appearance may overlap with more common valvular tumors, creating diagnostic uncertainty. CASE SUMMARY: A 42-year-old woman presented with aphasia and right arm weakness from recurrent embolic cerebral infarctions. Evaluation excluded hypercoagulable disorders, venous thromboembolism, and intracardiac shunting. Echocardiography identified a small mass on the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve, initially suspected to be papillary fibroelastoma. Surgical excision with valve repair was performed. Histopathology demonstrated characteristic neoplastic lepidic cells within a myxoid stroma, confirming aortic valve myxoma. DISCUSSION: Fewer than 20 cases have been reported. This case highlights the embolic risk of small valvular tumors and the limitations of imaging in distinguishing myxoma from papillary fibroelastoma, underscoring the importance of histopathologic confirmation. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Rare valvular tumors should be considered in unexplained embolic stroke. Definitive diagnosis requires pathology, guiding prognosis, and surveillance.
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Alizadeh et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Aortic valve myxoma and recurrent embolic cerebral infarctions (n=1). Surgical excision and histopathologic evaluation was evaluated. Surgical excision and histopathology confirmed a rare aortic valve myxoma in a 42-year-old woman presenting with recurrent embolic strokes, underscoring the necessity of pathologic diagnosis.
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