Abstract

Intracardiac myxomas are the most freguent primary tumors of the heart. These benign tumors are usually located in the left atrium. Although most patients are symptom free, constitutional, embolic and obstructive symptoms may also present in these patients. Surgical resection of a myxoma is the only acceptable therapy and to prevent the dangers of embolisation and sudden death, should be performed immediately. 54-year-old male admitted with exereise intolerance, pretibial edema and dyspnea during the last week is presented. 1-2/6° diastolic murmur was heard on the left third intereostal space. Transesophagial echocardiography demonstrated a mass with 4.8x5.2 cm in size which was restricting the transmitral blood flow in the left atrium. The mass was removed with standart left atriotomy technique and diagnosed as myxoma. Although no residual or recurrence mass was deteeted wddith transtorasic echocardiography imaging on the postoperative first month atrial septal defect was shown. The case is presented to underline the importance of atrial myxomas and accompanying surgical complications.