Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Young Adult: Rare Presentation of Giant Atrial Myxoma

Cardiac tumors are rare entities, among which atrial myxoma (AM) stands as the most frequent, accounting for approximately half of all reported cases. The incidence of AM is estimated to range from 0.001% to 0.3% within the general population, yet only about 0.06% of these cases present with coronary embolic events. We report on a 33-year-old male smoker who experienced acute, severe precordial pain radiating to the left upper limb, lasting for one hour. The electrocardiographic evaluation demonstrated ST-segment elevation in leads D2, D3, and aVF, alongside significantly elevated serum troponin levels, confirming a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Subsequent coronary angiography revealed proximal occlusion of the right coronary artery due to thrombus. An initial attempt of thrombus aspiration was unsuccessful, followed by primary angioplasty with balloon inflation without stent placement. Further diagnostic exploration through transthoracic echocardiography identified a homogenous, smooth-surfaced mass measuring 5.2 cm x 2.3 cm attached to the interatrial septum. This mass, characterized by lobulations, prolapsed into the mitral valve and left ventricle during diastole, consistent with AM. Surgical resection of the mass was successfully performed, with the patient being discharged asymptomatic. In the reported case, the patient's profile, notably his age, and gender, diverges from the typical epidemiological characteristics associated with AM. This case adds to the limited number of reports where the inferior wall is affected by the right coronary artery being occluded. This report emphasizes the significance of differential diagnoses in younger patients presenting with STEMI.

A surgical resection case of myxoma arising from the posterior wall of the left atrium complicated with complete atrioventricular block

An 80-year-old female was referred to our institution due to transient right upper limb weakness. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a tumor in the left atrium. The tumor was attached to the posterior wall of the left atrium near the atrioventricular node. Intraoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor was a myxoma, and complete resection was successfully performed. However, she experienced persistent complete atrioventricular block postoperatively and required pacemaker implantation.

All that Doesn't Enhance Isn't a Thrombus: Pitfalls Using Cardiac MRI TI 600 Sequence to Distinguish Between Cardiac Thrombus Versus Myxoma

A 51-year-old male with a complicated medical history presented with shortness of breath. Preoperative workup confirmed the presence of a large atrial mass. However, delayed gadolinium enhancement CMR with long inversion time (TI 600) showed lack of enhancement, which was suggestive of a thrombus. During cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, delayed gadolinium enhancement sequences with long inversion time (TI 600) are commonly used to distinguish between an avascular thrombus versus a vascular tumor.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by a Juxta-articular Myxoma: A Case Report

Juxta-articular myxoma (JAM) is a rare soft tissue tumour predominantly composed of mucinous tissue and usually found around large joints. We report a 73-year-old woman with a 5-year history of a soft tissue mass in the thenar eminence of the right wrist who presented to our department. An initial diagnosis of a ganglion cyst was made using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the jellied content of the mass by aspiration. Two years after presentation, surgical treatment with tumour resection and carpal tunnel release via the radial approach was performed because the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome worsened, and the tumour invaded the carpal tunnel. Histopathological examination revealed a JAM. At the 1-year follow-up, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome had resolved, and no recurrence was confirmed by MRI. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

[Association of a myxoma of the left atrium and a mitral stenosis : About a case]

Atrial myxoma is a rare and benign clinical entity. It remains common in women and mainly affects the left atrium. Its clinical picture is polymorphic. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman who consulted for dyspnea with cardiac failure's picture. The diagnosis of myxoma of the left atrium was made on echocardiography which also objectified the existence of mitral stenosis. The patient underwent surgical excision and mitral valve replacement with good postoperative outcomes.

Left atrial myxoma with cardiogenic shock following a myocardial infarction: a case report

BACKGROUND

Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumor and typically originate in the left atrium. Atrial myxomas may present following complications of obstruction and emboli. If an atrial myxoma goes untreated, complications such as congestive heart failure, embolic stroke, and sudden death can occur.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old Caucasian male presented following a cardiac arrest. He was taken emergently to the cardiac catheterization lab and received two drug eluting stents. Following the procedure, he was found to have a left atrial mass that was intermittently obstructing the mitral valve on echocardiography. After leaving the cardiac catheterization lab, he was hypotensive and placed on multiple intravenous medications for hemodynamic support as well as an Impella device. Following medical optimization, he underwent one vessel coronary artery bypass graft as well as surgical excision of the left atrial mass, which pathology had shown to be an atrial myxoma.

CONCLUSION

This patient's case of cardiogenic shock following revascularization was complicated by the identification of an atrial myxoma, which, when large enough, can obstruct blood flow through the mitral valve leading to acute mitral dynamic stenosis. This condition results in circulatory collapse due to obstruction of the left ventricle in diastole as the myxoma occludes the mitral valve.

Dizzy spells in pregnancy: successful antenatal removal of a huge left atrial myxoma with mitral valve obstruction

Diagnosing atrial myxoma in pregnancy is challenging because patients may present with non-specific symptoms that might be overlooked. The timing of non-obstetric operation usually depends on the nature of the disease, after careful consideration of feto-maternal safety, including the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and placental transfer of anaesthetic drug. A woman in her 30s at 18 weeks of pregnancy presented with recurring dizziness. She underwent successful myxoma excision at 20 weeks under general anaesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass. The 6×5 cm myxoma was histologically confirmed as myxoma. Early detection of atrial myxoma in pregnancy is crucial, and a clinician has to consider the diagnosis of left atrial myxoma with mitral valve obstruction as a cause of severe dizziness. Optimal outcomes require multidisciplinary management. In this case, surgery during the second trimester of pregnancy enabled a full-term pregnancy with the patient's and foetal well-being and normal postprocedural echocardiography.

Systematic Review and Case of Thrombectomy for Pediatric Stroke Due to Myxoma Embolism

BACKGROUND

Stroke presentation secondary to a cardiac myxoma thromboembolism is rare in the pediatric population. Because of such rarity, the reported cases in the literature are primarily case reports. Additionally, general pediatric stroke management lacks evidence-based guidelines because of its low incidence and lack of clinical trials. In pediatric strokes identified from a cardiac myxoma, the incidence favors boys with the classical presentation of unilateral weakness and aphasia. We present a pediatric patient who presented with strokelike symptoms secondary to an intracranial embolus from a previously undiagnosed cardiac myxoma.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase databases for cases of pediatric myxoma causing stroke (n = 2431) and identified 19 reported uses of surgical management in treating pediatric patients who present with stroke symptoms secondary to a cardiac myxoma thromboembolism.

RESULTS

The most common imaging modality was magnetic resonance imaging in 42% of cases, computed tomography in 36.8%, followed by computed tomography angiography in 31.6% of cases. Of these 19 children treated with procedures, 36.8% of pediatric patients aged between 4 and 14 years underwent neurosurgery (n = 7).

CONCLUSIONS

We describe an urgent mechanical thrombectomy and share preoperative and postoperative images and pathology slides confirming a stroke from myxoma origin. We provide added insight in the safe use of mechanical thrombectomy as treatment for pediatric strokes secondary to a thromboembolism.

Vasculitic rash and cerebral emboli in an adolescent with left atrial myxoma

A previously healthy woman in late adolescence presented to the emergency department with stroke-like symptoms following a two-month history of bilateral foot pain and oedema, accompanied by a macular rash and progressive lower extremity weakness. On further investigation, she was found to have multiple cerebral emboli and a left atrial myxoma fixed to the interatrial septum. The patient subsequently underwent urgent surgical excision of the myxoma. On follow-up, her cutaneous and neurological symptoms were significantly improved. This case suggests that, in the presence of a vasculitic rash without evident or obvious cause, cardiac myxoma should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Considerations and anesthetic management of a patient with giant right atrial myxoma: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Myxoma is a common type of primary cardiac tumor. However, there are few researches to illustrate challenge of safely inducing anesthesia in a patient with a giant right atrial myxoma at moderate altitude.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES

A 54-year-old female patient lived in a city with an average altitude of 1932 m with scheduled surgical treatment for giant right atrial myxoma, prompting discussions on appropriate anesthesia modalities given her prolonged residence at moderate altitude.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Considering the potential impact of moderate altitude on perioperative management, this study emphasizes the necessity of adequate volume preload therapy and the utility of transthoracic echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography to prevent hemodynamic compromise. Furthermore, it highlights the unique consideration that, post-tumor removal, hypotension may not necessarily lead to decreased oxygen saturation in these patients.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the importance of avoiding hypotension, as pre-tumor resection blood pressure maintenance primarily determines blood oxygen concentration. Additionally, it sheds light on the intriguing observation that post-tumor removal hypotension may not result in decreased oxygen saturation. These findings have significant implications for the perioperative care of patients with giant right atrial myxoma at moderate altitudes.

Our 10-Year Experience with Atrial Myxomas: Is Concurrent Valve Intervention Really Warranted?

INTRODUCTION

Primary cardiac myxomas are rare tumors. Concurrent valvular lesion is a common finding on evaluation which is thought to be due to annular dilatation secondary to tumor movement across the valve, functional obstruction across the valve, and severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstruction. A common belief among surgeons is that excision of myxoma leads to abatement of symptoms, and further valve intervention may not be warranted.

METHODS

A 10-year retrospective descriptive study was designed to analyze patients who underwent excision of cardiac myxoma at our center. Data was analyzed regarding presenting features, echocardiographic findings of myxoma and valve morphology, intraoperative assessment, and postoperative outcome with/without valve repair/replacement in all patients.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients underwent surgery for myxoma. Six patients underwent successful mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty, two had moderate mitral regurgitation, three had severe mitral regurgitation, and one patient had no mitral regurgitation on preoperative assessment, but moderate mitral regurgitation was found intraoperatively. Four of these patients had no residual mitral regurgitation in follow-up period while two had mild residual mitral regurgitation. One patient had severe mitral stenosis of concurrent rheumatic etiology and successfully underwent mitral valve replacement.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac myxomas are rare benign tumors commonly associated with mitral valve insufficiency. Mitral valve should be assessed intraoperatively after excision of mass as preoperative assessment might often be insufficient. Concomitant mitral valve intervention might be needed with a case-specific tailored approach, and mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty offers best surgical outcome in such cases.

Myxoma with rich blood supply in the left atrium

Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary benign cardiac tumors, mostly found in the left atrium. It was previously reported that the main component of myxoma was myxoid stroma riched in acid-mucopolysaccharide, the blood vessels in which were sparsely distributed, being characterized as hypovascular tumor by contrast echocardiography (CE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). There are few reports of myxoma with rich blood supply and we report one in the left atrium.

Deep (aggressive) angiomyxoma of the vulva in a pregnant woman

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare mesenchymal tumour, which usually appears in the pelvic region of women in their reproductive age. Although benign, it is a locally infiltrative tumour with frequent recurrence. We report a case of a pregnant woman in her 30s with a vulvar aggressive angiomyxoma which was initially misdiagnosed. Features of this case are discussed, highlighting the difficulty in its diagnosis and the challenge of the follow-up and treatment of recurrences.

Embolism from a left ventricular myxoma presenting with acute limb ischaemia

Acute limb ischaemia (ALI) secondary to cardiac myxoma is uncommon. Embolic myxoma should be considered a differential diagnosis in young patients with ALI who do not have apparent cardiovascular risk factors. A multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive care can improve outcomes and optimise the collaborative treatment of ALI. Early referral to a hospital that can provide specialised treatment for ALI helps prevent significant tissue loss and surgical complications, such as amputation.A man in his 20s presented with bilateral ALI of both lower extremities, and an arterial duplex scan revealed a thrombus occluding all arterial segments of the bilateral lower extremities. An intracardiac mass adherent to the apical and anterior interventricular septum on two-dimensional echocardiography suggested a complex myxoma. The patient was diagnosed with ALI Rutherford category III, and bilateral hip disarticulation was performed. The patient was discharged with an anticoagulant.

Atrial myxoma: A cause for concern in multiple cerebral infarctions in absence of cardiac symptoms

Ischaemic cerebral infarct is the most common neurological manifestation of myxomas. We present a mid-70s man who was brought to the stroke unit with sudden onset right hemiparesis and dysarthria. Although he had risk factors for developing stroke like hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, history of prostate cancer and new paroxysmal atrial flutter on admission, clinical suspicion and detailed investigations in the absence of cardiac symptoms revealed a 9 cm myxoma causing severe mitral stenosis. He underwent successful surgical resection with good functional recovery. This also highlights the need for thorough clinical examination especially in the absence of cardiac symptoms.

Atrial myxoma embolization of the basilar artery presenting with a convulsive seizure: Case report

BACKGROUND

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare cause of convulsive seizure. Such patients who are treated for epilepsy will miss the optimal time for treatment. Atrial myxoma is a rare cause of stroke and should be surgically removed as soon as possible after diagnosis.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a patient who presented with convulsions as the initial symptom and was diagnosed with BAO by computed tomographic angiography. After transthoracic echocardiogram, the cause of the disease was diagnosed as atrial myxoma. The patient recovered well after endovascular treatment and resection of the atrial myxoma.

CONCLUSION

A small number of patients with BAO present with convulsive seizures. It is very important to make a timely diagnosis. Direct thrombaspiration may be the best choice for basilar artery cardioembolization, and thrombectomy for distal moderate vascular occlusion in posterior circulation is feasible. Atrial myxoma is a rare cause of cardioembolic stroke and should be resected as soon as possible to prevent further embolic complications.

Cortical ischemic lesions from atrial myxoma as a mimic of disease activity in an RRMS antiCD20-treated patient

Cortical lesions (CLs) detected with double inversion recovery (DIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are very helpful in differentiating multiple sclerosis (MS) from other neuroinflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), that is, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs). Furthermore, CLs are closely related to motor and cognitive impairment. We report a case of a 48-year-old female MS patient who developed several CLs during anti-CD20 therapy. Some CLs disappeared during follow-up MRIs. In the suspicion of a treatment failure, the screening for the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) was performed with the evidence of an atrial myxoma. In MS patients with new CLs, a comorbid ischemic pathology should be considered and carefully investigated.

Robotic Resection of Left Atrial Myxoma With Cryoablation of Tumor Stalk

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate robotic cryoablation of an atrial myxoma stalk as a method to prevent recurrence and preserve atrial tissue. A 38-year-old female patient was taken to the operating room, and an atrial myxoma abutting the left inferior pulmonary vein was resected robotically. This was followed by cryoablation of the tumor stalk instead of a full-thickness resection to prevent an extensive reconstruction. The operation resulted in the successful resection of an atrial myxoma with minimal length of stay. Follow-up at 3 months has shown no evidence of residual or recurrent tumor. Follow-up at 1 year is planned. Cryoablation of an atrial myxoma stalk, when resection would require complex reconstruction, is a useful tool in the armamentarium of a minimally invasive cardiac surgeon.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for non-invasive differential diagnosis of unclear left atrial mass

Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography detected a left atrial mass attached to the intra-atrialseptum. Intravenous contrast agent ruled out atrial thrombus, sugesting a left atrial myxoma. This highlights theimportance of contrast echocardiography for differential diagnosis of left atrial findings.

Cardiac surgery for a right atrial myxoma with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: a case report

BACKGROUND

The timing of cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for intracranial hemorrhage is controversial.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of an 82-year-old woman who was transferred to our hospital because of a head injury. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a giant right atrial myxoma. After confirming the disappearance of intracranial hemorrhage on brain CT, cardiac surgery with CPB was performed, which was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

For an uneventful surgery, the optimal timing of cardiac surgery with CPB in patients with giant right atrial myxoma and intracranial hemorrhage should be based on brain CT.

A Ping Pong Ball in the Left Ventricle

Diagnosing cardiac masses, especially those related to cardiac tumors, is often challenging in clinical practice. Though myxomas are the most common and well-known benign cardiac tumors, other rare and often-neglected tumors can be difficult to diagnose. In this case report, the authors describe a left ventricular cardiac mass with unique and striking imaging features.

A polo ball in the right atrium, importance of echocardiographic characteristics of intracardiac myxomas: a case report

BACKGROUND

Myxomas are the most prevalent type of heart tumors, mainly occurring in the left atrium, with approximately 20% of cases found in the right atrium. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management of myxomas are crucial for favorable outcomes and to minimize complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 77-year-old Asian male with no significant medical history presented with intermittent trepopnea and palpitations. Physical examination revealed regular heart sounds and no other relevant findings. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large, round-shaped, smooth-edged mass with diameter of 86 mm, occupying most of the right atrium. Mild tricuspid flow obstruction and mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction were also observed. Cardiac tomography confirmed the size, smooth edges, and showed microcalcifications of the mass, with no invasion of surrounding tissues. Surgical intervention successfully removed the spheroid mass, leading to the alleviation of symptoms. Histopathology confirmed the myxoma nature of the mass. A comprehensive discussion based on relevant medical literature is provided, with emphasis on echocardiographic characteristics of the mass with relation to potential embolic disease.

CONCLUSION

This case shows an atypical presentation of an exceptionally large myxoma in the right atrium, resembling the size of a polo ball, in a patient presenting with supraventricular arrhythmia and trepopnea. Early diagnosis and appropriate management played a vital role in achieving a successful outcome for the patient.

Ultrasonic features of superficial angiomyxoma in the scrotum: A case image

Superficial angiomyxoma in the scrotum is a well-circumscribed, ovoid-shaped, heterogeneously echogenic mass in the ultrasonography. On Doppler ultrasonography, vascular flow signals are visible in and around the mass(M).

Robot-Assisted Excision of a Left Ventricular Myxoma and Hemangioma

Left ventricular masses are rare entities that often require surgical excision when diagnosed due to the risk of embolization. We report 2 separate patients presenting with evidence of cerebral embolization both of whom were diagnosed with isolated left ventricular masses and underwent surgical excision through a robot-assisted approach. Microscopic pathology revealed a myxoma and hemangioma, respectively. Both cases demonstrate that left ventricular masses can be feasibly excised through a robot-assisted minithoracotomy approach.

Atrial septal hematogenous cyst with calcification mimicking myxoma: A rare case

A 61-year-old female presented with right atrial mass during physical examination. Contrast-enhanced left heart echocardiography revealed a mass with the size of 32*23 mm in the right atrium, attached to the atrial septum; there was a certain degree of activity and deformation. MRI showed a mass of about 35*22 mm in the right atrium adjacent to the atrial septum, which was diagnosed with right atrial myxoma. Intraoperative TEE showed that the mass was located in the atrial septum close to the inferior vena cava and spontaneous echo contrast with hyperechoic images within the mass. The lesion was resected under cardiopulmonary bypass. Pathological examination revealed that the filling defect was an atrial septal hematogenous cyst with calcification.

Second recurrence of aggressive vulvar angiomyxoma: a case report

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare benign tumor with diverse clinical and radiologic presentations, making its differential diagnosis challenging. Here we report the second recurrence of an aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva in a 33-year-old woman who presented with pain and swelling. Clinical examination revealed a well-circumscribed large palpable mass extending from the inferior part of the right labia major into the right side of the gluteus. A second recurrence of aggressive angiomyxoma was suspected based on the patient's history, clinical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging report, and the patient underwent surgical resection with a negative margin. Histological evaluation of the extracted lesion confirmed the diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient was recurrence-free. The present report urges more awareness regarding the aggressiveness of angiomyxoma of the vulva. Closer attention should be given to margin-free removal of such tumors, and patients should be routinely followed up for at least 2 years postoperatively for early diagnosis of recurrence, thereby reducing the risk of morbidity.

Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in deep angiomyxoma using a biplane transrectal probe: A case report

BACKGROUND

Deep angiomyxoma (DAM) is a very rare tumor type. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the best imaging modality for diagnosing DAM. Computed tomography (CT) is used mainly to assess the invasion range of DAM. The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of DAM is still controversial. Through a literature review, we summarized the current state of ultrasonic examination for DAM and reported for the first time the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of DAM seen using a biplane transrectal probe.

CASE SUMMARY

A 37-year-old woman presented with a sacrococcygeal mass that had gradually increased in size over the previous 6 mo. MRI and CT examinations failed to allow a definite diagnosis to be made. Transperineal core needle biopsy (CNB) guided by transrectal ultrasound and CEUS was suggested after a multidisciplinary discussion. Grayscale ultrasound of the lesion showed a layered appearance with alternating hyperechoic and hypoechoic patterns. Transrectal CEUS showed a laminated distribution of the contrast agent that was consistent with the layered appearance of the tumor on grayscale ultrasound. We performed transperineal CNB of the enhanced area inside the tumor under transrectal CEUS guidance and finally made a definitive diagnosis of DAM through histopathology. The patient underwent laparoscopic-assisted transabdominal surgery combined with transperineal surgery for large pelvic tumor resection and pelvic floor peritoneal reconstruction. No recurrence or metastasis was found at the nine-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Transrectal CEUS can show the layered perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent, guiding subsequent transperineal CNB of the enhanced area within the DAM.

Resection of Orbital Myxoma With Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence of Ethmoid Sinus Origin: Case Report and Review of 20 Patients in the Literature

A 41-year-old woman showed a palpable mass at the superonasal orbital edge on the right side. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a lobulated fluid-containing tubular mass which extended anteriorly to posteriorly along the medial orbital wall, nasal to the eyeball. She was followed once a year for 8 years until the age of 49 years when she decided to undergo surgical resection because of the enlarged mass. The lobulated large mass was resected and the pathology showed sparsely distributed spindle cells, positive for CD34, in alcian blue-positive mucous substances, indicative of myxoma. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed residual lobulated tubular mass along the optic nerve on the medial side and superior to the eyeball. The residual orbital mass showed stable structure with more evident connection with the ethmoid sinus lesion, suggestive of the ethmoid origin, in 12 years until the age of 61 years. In the review of 20 patients with orbital myxomas in the literature, in addition to this case, roughly classified locations in the orbit were retrobulbar in 8 patients, on the lateral side of the orbit in 4, on the superior side in 6, on the medial side in 1 (this patient), and in the orbit with no specific description in 2. In pathological examinations, immunohistochemistry was not done in 8 patients, done but all negative in 2, and positive in 11 patients: nerve sheath myxoma was diagnosed in 3 patients based on positive S100 staining. Orbital myxoma is rare but considered in differential diagnosis of orbital masses.

Cerebral Myxomatous Aneurysms: Case Series and Systematic Review of Literature with Adequate Follow-Up Periods and Aneurysmal Wall Biopsy Results

BACKGROUND

Cerebral myxomatous aneurysms (CMA) are intracranial aneurysms caused by cardiac myxoma. The exact mechanism underlying their development has not yet been elucidated. And an optimal treatment method has not yet been established because of rarity of the disease. In addition, most existing reports have had a short follow-up period or lack of follow-up imaging test results. The aim of this study was to provide better insights into the course and treatment options of CMAs.

METHODS

We describe 4 CMA patients treated in our hospital and literature search was performed using PubMed and Embase databases. Keywords used were as follows: "cerebral myxomatous aneurysm", "myxomatous aneurysm", "cardiac myxoma", and "intracranial aneurysm". Only publications in English and related to this disorder with adequate follow-up periods and aneurysmal wall biopsy results were included. Clinical, radiological, pathological, and treatment characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 134 CMA cases were managed conservatively that included 5 enlargements, 6 regressions, and 120 stable aneurysms, which were identified for a total of 453.33 aneurysm years (1.76% per aneurysm year, 1.32% per aneurysm year, and 26.47% per aneurysm year, respectively). Poor outcome rate was high in cases with hemorrhage (either parenchymal or subarachnoidal hemorrhage) due to rupture of the CMA (46.67%, 7 out of 15). Thirteen cases had aneurysm biopsy results of which 11 showed tumor invasion on the aneurysm wall.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though the natural course of unruptured, benign-looking CMAs appears to be favorable, the presence or absence of viable tumor cells in the aneurysm may promote an unfavorable disease course. In the case of large, symptomatic, and enlarging CMAs, surgical, endovascular, or combined treatment should be considered as the mortality and morbidity due to rupture might be high.

A cardiac malignant primary tumor: Left atrium myxosarcoma-A case report

Myxosarcoma only accounts for a very small proportion of primary malignant tumors of the heart. The disease has no specificity in clinical manifestations or features on medical images. In this case study, we report about a middle-aged female patient afflicted with cardiac myxosarcoma. The initial transthoracic echocardiography of the patient revealed a cardiac myxoma. However, the postoperative histopathology confirmed the presence of a malignant cardiac myxosarcoma. Post-surgery follow-up imaging examinations revealed local recurrence in the left atrium as well as soft-tissue and bone metastases. The recurrent tumor and metastases were subsequently treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the tumor did not respond to treatment and the disease progressed.

Incremental value of combinatorial contrast echocardiography and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in giant right atrial myxomas

Although several studies have shown that myocardial contrast echocardiography and 18-FDG PET/CT can differentiate between benign and malignant intracardiac masses, it is rarely used in practice to evaluate myxoma. This case describes the contrast echocardiography and 18-FDG PET/CT findings of a giant myxoma with an atypical location and subclinical symptoms.