Myxoma of the Left Atrium Simulating Mitral Stenosis

A case of myxoma of the left atrium originally diagnosed as mitral stenosis has been presented. Analysis of the clinical and roentgenologic features and the data obtained from cardiac catheterization indicate that a correct diagnosis probably could have been made. Certain of the findings suggest that although prolapse of the tumor into the orifice of the mitral valve was responsible for striking changes in the patient's condition, the site of the chronic obstruction responsible for the pulmonary hypertension and the changes in the pulmonary arterioles may have been at the atrial orifices of the pulmonary veins.