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Cardiac myxomas

Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2005

Abstract

Cardiac Myxomas. Myxomas are primary cardiac tumors occurring intracavitary predominantly in the left atrium.

They obstruct mechanically the blood flow through the left atrium thus resembling mitral stenosis. Other symptoms may be caused by tumour embolization or may result from constitutional myxoma symptoms.

Diagnosis of myxoma is based on echocardiography examination though other imaging methods (CT, MRI, angiography) may also be employed. Indication for surgical extirpation of myxoma is a straightforward one.

Operation is performed with use of cardiopulmonary bypass in cardioplegic heart arrest. Operational risk is low and recurrence of tumour occurs rarely.