Differential Diagnosis of a Left Atrial Mass after Surgical Excision of Myxoma: a Remnant or a Thrombus?.
10.4070/kcj.2016.46.6.875
- Author:
Hanbit PARK
1
;
Seokjung JO
;
Yun Kyung CHO
;
Jongkwan KIM
;
Sangcheol CHO
;
Ju Hyeon KIM
;
Yeong Jin JEONG
;
Jae Kwan SONG
Author Information
1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jksong@amc.seoul.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Myxoma;
Thrombosis;
Echocardiography
- MeSH:
Aged;
Diagnosis;
Diagnosis, Differential*;
Echocardiography;
Echocardiography, Transesophageal;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Heparin;
Humans;
Ischemic Attack, Transient;
Myxoma*;
Paresis;
Thrombosis*;
Upper Extremity;
Warfarin
- From:Korean Circulation Journal
2016;46(6):875-878
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Echocardiographic diagnosis of atrial myxoma may not always be straightforward, and the distinction between myxoma and thrombi is not easy, especially when we observe a mass after successful surgery. Our report describes a 72-year-old woman who presented with right upper limb hemiparesis and was subsequently diagnosed as having transient ischemic attack due to a left atrial myxoma. One month after successful surgical resection of the tumor, the patient developed left-sided weakness. Echocardiography revealed a left atrial mass attached to the interatrial septum. Intravenous heparin was administered as a therapeutic trial for postoperative thrombi, which resulted in a decrease in mass size within a week. Anticoagulation with warfarin was continued, and complete resolution was demonstrated on a 4-month follow-up transesophageal echocardiography. This case highlights the fact that thrombus formation at the surgical site should be considered an unusual but potential complication after surgical resection of left atrial myxomas.
