Central New Zealand Surgical Experience With Intracardiac Myxomas

Abstract

Purpose: Atrial myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumours. More than 90% are solitary. We studied and evaluated their clinical presentation, morbidity, mortality and recurrence following surgery over a period of 5 years. Methodology: Single institution, retrospective study over 5 years period, from Jan 2011 to Dec 2015. All data obtained using the theatre ORSOS database and cross-referencing with the cardiac perfusion logbook database. Preoperative diagnosis was made with clinical presentation and preoperative echocardiography. Complete tumour excision was done and all patients were followed up for recurrence and complications. Results: A total of 18 cases of cardiac myxoma were operated in this 5-year period, which constituted about 0.6% of all cardiac cases operated in our unit. There was a 72.22% female patient predisposition. The left atrial myxoma mostly presented as symptomatic mitral valvular condition and very few presented with embolic and constitutional symptoms. Survival prognosis was 100% alive at one year postoperative and no recurrence noted. Conclusion: Cardiac myxomas are so rare. A high index of clinical suspicion is essential for imminent diagnosis. Immediate surgical debulking treatment is indicated in all patients. Cardiac myxomas can be excised with a low rate of mortality and morbidity in our unit.