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Case Reports
. 2005;32(2):238-40.

Complete embolization of a left atrial myxoma resulting in acute lower extremity ischemia

Chris Coley  1 , Kenneth R Lee, Mark Steiner, Charles S Thompson
Affiliations
Case Reports

Complete embolization of a left atrial myxoma resulting in acute lower extremity ischemia

Chris Coley et al. Tex Heart Inst J. 2005.

Abstract

Atrial myxoma is the most common benign tumor of the heart. Patients who have atrial myoxmas usually present with cardiac obstruction, arrhythmias, or peripheral embolization. A tumor originating in the left atrium most often embolizes to the cerebrovascular system. Complete myxoma embolization to the peripheral vessels is rare and usually occurs with tragic consequences. We present an unusual case of acute lower extremity ischemia due to the complete embolization of a left atrial myxoma.

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Figures

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Fig. 1 Macroscopic view of gelatinous tan myxoid material and thrombus recovered after iliac artery embolectomy.
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Fig. 2 Microscopic view of material removed from the iliac artery. Prominent spindle/ovoid/stellate cells can be seen with indistinct cell borders in a background of blue-gray mucopolysaccharide ground substance. Hemosiderin pigments are present. No anaplasia or mitosis is seen (H & E, orig. ×400).
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Fig. 3 Transesophageal echocardiography of the heart shows the irregular atrial wall. A = left atrium; S = atrial septum; W = atrial wall irregularity
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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