Cardiac myxoma
24 August 2023
The Washington Post recently posted a Medical Mystery of a 14 year old boy who collapsed while on a trampoline, due to a cardiac myxoma.
Cardiac myxoma basics:
Cardiac myxoma is a rare and benign tumor most often occurring as a solitary, sporadic, pedunculated mass (i.e. growing on a stalk) in the left atrium of the heart.
It is a different entity from soft tissue myxoma.
The cause of cardiac myxomas is unknown, although:
It may be caused by changes to cardiac stem cells.
Approximately 10% occur in the context of the Carney complex.
Most cases of Carney complex are due to mutations in the PRKAR1A gene, which leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation, tumors throughout the body and unusual skin pigmentation.
“Myxoid” means resembles mucus; also clear and gelatinous.
Why are cardiac myxomas dangerous?
They frequently cause embolism, systemic or obstructive symptoms.
They may cause sudden death, usually due to mitral valve obstruction (the tumor may move, depending on the person’s position, and block the valve).
They have an excellent prognosis but treatment requires complete surgical resection to prevent relapse and embolic or systemic symptoms.
Images of resected cardiac myxomas:
Microscopic images of cardiac myxomas:
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