Left atrial myxoma with mitral regurgitation

Primary tumors of the heart are very rare; among these, myxomas of the left atrium (LA) are the most common one. The clinical diagnosis is difficult since myxoma causes non-specific signs and symptoms, and its clinical manifestations often mimic other common cardiac diseases. Rarely, LA myxoma coincides with or even manifests as mitral regurgitation. Nevertheless, a high index of suspicion remains the most important element in diagnosing myxoma. The advantage in echocardiography modality has contributed an easy, simple, and accurate diagnosis of LA myxoma. A 43-year-old woman complained of breathlessness and cough lasting for one year. Echocardiography showed a large LA consisting of a mobile mass with short pedicle attached to the interatrial septum. The mass moved throughout a cardiac cycle. On operation, a large tumor occupying most part of the left atrial cavity was found. The tumor was completely removed and the pathological examination concluded the tumor as a myxoma.