Introduction:

Myxomas are a benign tumour with a prevalence of 0,01 to 0,03%, mostly of sporadic presentation and with a preference for the left atrium, followed by the right atrium. Their location in the ventricles is considerably more infrequent and their symptomatology varies depending on their placement. With the presentation of this case focus will lie on clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of myxomas.

Motivation:

To present a clinical case of left ventricular myxoma in the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá in a 50 year-old male without relevant medical conditions, with exertional dyspnea and restrosternal pain over the last two months. The transthoracic echocardiogram, magnetic resonance and cardiac catheterization evidenced a mass in the anterior and medial regions of the apex, therefore a surgical resection of the tumour was carried out. Later on the histological analysis confirmed the initial imaging diagnosis. The patient presented a favourable evolution and was discharged six days later with positive results.

Discussion:

It is more frequent in females and in adults, though cases are reported in all ages. Location of myxomas is 75-80% in the left atrium, 20% in the right atrium, 3% in the left ventricle and 3% in the right ventricle. Manifestations are evidenced with constitutional symptoms (74%), dyspnea (45%) and embolism (41%).

Conclusion:

Cardiac neoplasms are infrequent, myxomas being the most common benign heart tumours. The diagnosis can be suggested by the symptoms, though it is usual to encounter a normal physical examination. It is diagnosed with transthoracic echocardiogram, computerised axial tomography and magnetic resonance. Treatment is surgical, being safe, effective and considered curative in most resections, with a survival rate after 5 years of 83%.

        · resumo em Espanhol     · texto em Espanhol     · Espanhol ( pdf )