Left atrial myxoma in a patient with atrial fibrillation following ischemic stroke – Case report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Myxoma is the most common tumor of the heart, usually localized in the left atrium. It usually occurs in subjects between the third and sixth decade of life. It causes systemic and cardiovascular symptoms. It may be the cause of thromboembolic events. Aim The aim of this work is to present a case of ischemic stroke as a first clinical manifestation of myxoma and draw attention to diagnostic problems of left atrial lesions. Case report A 63-year-old female following ischemic stroke with mixed aphasia and atrial fibrillation was admitted for diagnosis of pathological left atrial lesion. Results and discussion Histopathological examination confirmed left atrial myxoma. Differential diagnosis of pathological lesions in heart cavities is often very difficult. Myxoma, which is a benign cardiac tumor, is frequently confused with thrombus which prevents the implementation of proper treatment and causes various cardiovascular complications, thromboembolic events and systemic symptoms. Conclusions In case of ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation in subjects over the age of 60 years myxoma should be considered as a potential cause of these clinical conditions.