[The accidental diagnosis of a left atrial myxoma in an 80-year-old female].
Left atrial myxoma is usually diagnosed in patients between the ages of 30 and 60 and this diagnosis follows non-specific symptoms (i.e. temperature, anemia, weakness), and obstructive or embolic episodes. There are few cases in the literature of this disease in patients older than 80. We report the case of an 80-year-old female admitted to our institute for an episode of supraventricular tachycardia. After successful treatment of the arrhythmia using verapamil i.v., a routine echocardiographic examination showed the presence of a left atrial mass, and its appearance suggested the diagnosis of a left atrial myxoma. A CT scan and a transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis. The patient subsequently underwent cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography. In the absence of significant lesions of the coronary artery, a decision was made to remove the myxoma surgically, based on two considerations: the good clinical status of the patient and the high current risk of peripheral embolization. The operation was successful in removing the myxoma and the patient continues to be in good clinical condition.
Sezione di Cardiologia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino, Modena.
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D009232:Myxoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013614:Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology
Diagnosi accidentale di mixoma atriale sinistro in ottuagenaria.