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Case Reports
. 2024 Mar 11;16(3):e55974.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.55974. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Atrial Myxoma in a Patient With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Unmasking Overlapping Symptomatology

Anas Mahmoud  1 , Mawada Tarhuni  2 , Tala Beilani  3 , Ibrahim Ismail-Sayed  4 , Michael Pelidis  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Atrial Myxoma in a Patient With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Unmasking Overlapping Symptomatology

Anas Mahmoud et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Atrial myxoma, though the most common primary cardiac tumor, often presents with nonspecific symptoms that can obscure its diagnosis. This case report details an unusual presentation of dyspnea on exertion (DOE) in a patient initially considered to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common pulmonary etiology of DOE. The diagnostic journey underscores the critical importance of considering atrial myxoma in patients with DOE, especially when symptoms are not fully explained by apparent pulmonary conditions. Our findings highlight the necessity of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including the early use of resting transthoracic echocardiogram, to unveil less common causes like atrial myxoma. This case reinforces the pivotal role of considering alternative diagnoses in complex presentations of DOE, thereby guiding more accurate and tailored patient management.

Keywords: atrial myxoma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(copd); copd; dyspnea on exertion; exertional dyspnea.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. CT of mass near the left atrium
Figure 2
Figure 2. The transthoracic echocardiogram
Figure 3
Figure 3. Magnified portion of echocardiogram showing a pedunculated mass in the left atrium
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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