Biatrial myxoma: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: In surgical series, a majority of benign cardiac tumors are myxomas. Of these, only about 2.5% are biatrial. Only 10 cases have been reported in the last 10 years. We present here a successful case in a 51-year-old man. A brief review of the literature is presented to place this case in context.

Methods: The tumor was removed surgically via a midline sternotomy using cardiopulmonary bypass. Both left and right atrial extensions of the tumor mass were removed. The resection involved the entire septum, with a bovine patch used to reconstruct the atrial septum.

Results: Patient recovered uneventfully. We advised follow-up evaluation using transthoracic echocardiography annually.

Conclusions: Biatrial myxoma is a very rare condition, with diagnostic challenges, but is amenable to modern surgical approaches.