[Myxoma of the left atrium presenting as repeated cerebrovascular disorders].
Infarction of the central nervous system secondary to embolism from a left atrial myxoma is a recognized phenomenon. However, a myxoma as the source of an embolus may be overlooked, if, during the evaluation of a patient with a stroke of unknown etiology, an index of suspicion is not present. We report a case of a 57-year old woman presenting three episodes of cerebral infarction always in the same brain territory, suggesting a carotid pathology. The physical examination of the patient only showed a loud S1 with no other sounds and neurologic alterations, namely, right hemiparesia and aphasia. Diagnosis was made by two-dimensional echocardiography and better delineation was obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient subsequently received a successful ressection of the myxoma. Eighteen months later the patient was well.
Serrano
A
A
Serviço de Medicina 1., Hospital Curry Cabral, Lisboa.
Machado
J
J
Gonçalves
L P
LP
Proença
R
R
D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009232:Myxoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012008:Recurrence
Mixoma da auricula esquerda. Apresentando-se por acidentes cerebro-vasculares de repetição.