Two interesting cases of left atrial myxoma

Abstract

Atrial myxoma is the most common type of benign primary heart tumours. Most of these tumours are sporadic in origin occurring at 3rd to 6th decade of life, while hereditary forms do exist. They are mostly found in the left atrium followed by right atrium and ventricles. A left atrial myxoma may present with features of mitral valve obstruction, embolic phenomenon or systemic disease. On diagnosis, prompt surgical removal is necessary which usually gives a complete cure, though recurrences have been reported. We hereby present two cases of solitary left atrial myxoma.

Key words: atrial myxoma; echocardiography; tumour impaction

DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i1.3226

Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 1, Issue 29, 80-92