Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This case study describes a 50 year old female who presented to the hospital with dyspnea, worsening shortness of breath, when lying supine, and exercise intolerance for several weeks. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a large left atrial mass attached to both mitral valve leaflets, suggestive of a myxoma. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed the following day, confirming the presence of the mass and measuring approximately 3.8 × 3.18 cm. The myxoma appeared mobile and prolapsed towards the mitral valve during diastole, resulting in functional mitral stenosis. Left atrial myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors and can lead to significant complications, including obstruction of valve inflow, systemic embolization, arrhythmias, and in rare cases, sudden cardiac death. Therefore, immediate surgical resection remains the gold standard for the removal of atrial myxomas. This case highlights the importance of multimodality echocardiographic imaging to accurately assess intracardiac masses and guide surgical intervention. It is important to emphasize the importance of follow up echocardiograms with myxomas, as recurrence can occur after surgical removal.

Download

Share

COinS