Shortness of breath in an octogenarian: The unexpected diagnosis of an atrial myxoma
Lugo-Adams, F.; Rodriguez-Ospina, L.; Vicenty, S.; Escabi, I.; Martinez-Colon, M.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 97(2): 130-139
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 Document Number: 703042
In adults, cardiac myxomas are the most frequently encountered benign neoplasm of the heart, comprising up to 75% of all primary cardiac tumors. Occasionally, myxomas are diagnosed incidentally as clinical presentation varíes and non-specific constitutional symptoms may be the only complaint in one third of the patients. The diagnosis of an atrial myxoma in the elderly is extremely rare. We describe the case of an 85-year-old male patient, in whom a left atrial myxoma was incidentally diagnosed and subsequently surgically removed. To our knowledge, he is the oldest reported patient to be diagnosed and operated with a myxoma in Puerto Rico. The clinical presentation, physical findings, diagnostic modalities and treatment options are review as we discuss the particular features of our case.
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