Left Atrial Myxoma: Presentation with Acute Aortic Occlusion and ‘Resolution’ of the Primary Tumor

Abstract

We report a case of an acute infrarenal aortic occlusion caused by embolization of a left atrial myxoma. The aortoiliac embolus was removed by an emergency embolectomy with a Fogarty catheter. Patient refused initially the resection of the small remaining part of his cardiac tumor. Two months later, he agreed and a surgical resection was performed. Peroperatively and histopathologically, no residual tumor could be detected. This is the first report of emboliza-tion of a left atrial myxoma with subsequent asymptomatic complete embolization or regression.

Key Words:

• Myxoma
• aortic occlusion
• embolization
• acute limb ischemia

Additional information

Notes on contributors

P. Herijgers

Prof. Dr. P. Herijgers Cardiale Heelkunde U.Z. Gasthuisberg Herestraat 49 B-3000 Leuven, Belgium Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]