Key result
Aspiration thrombectomy successfully restores TIMI 3 flow in left atrial myxoma-induced anterior STEMI.
Why the study?
STEMI caused by cardiac myxoma embolization is rare and likely underrecognized, requiring awareness of embolic mechanisms in coronary occlusion.
Case Report (n=1)
STEMI caused by myxoma embolization is rare but should be considered in patients lacking traditional risk factors, with intravascular imaging being crucial to exclude atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
May support aspiration thrombectomy plus excision in myxoma-related STEMI; leaves open generalizability beyond this case.
BACKGROUND: Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor. Although it is histologically benign, it can cause systemic or coronary embolization. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old woman with no traditional cardiovascular risk factors presented with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Emergent coronary angiography revealed complete occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending artery without atherosclerosis. Aspiration thrombectomy restored TIMI flow grade 3; intravascular ultrasound excluded plaque rupture or dissection. Histopathologic analysis of the aspirated material demonstrated myxoid tissue consistent with cardiac myxoma. Multimodality imaging confirmed a pedunculated left atrial mass, and surgical excision was performed. DISCUSSION: STEMI caused by myxoma embolization is rare and likely underrecognized. This case emphasizes the embolic mechanism of coronary occlusion, the importance of urgent reperfusion and intravascular ultrasound, and the need for definitive surgical resection to prevent recurrence. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Coronary embolism should be considered in STEMI without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Intravascular imaging helps exclude plaque rupture. Definitive treatment requires tumor excision.
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Simal et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (n=1). Left atrial myxoma embolization was evaluated. Aspiration thrombectomy successfully restored TIMI flow grade 3 in a 54-year-old woman with anterior STEMI caused by left atrial myxoma embolization, followed by surgical excision of the tumor.
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