Editorial

Myxoma: The Intracardiac Zebra

Authors: Jack P. Chen, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FCCP

Abstract

In this issue, the article “Pulmonary Edema of an Unexpected Cause” depicts a most dramatic presentation of an enormous (presumed) cardiac myxoma, obstructing left atrial outflow.1 Although pathological confirmation was not possible in this case, the overwhelmingly probable diagnosis was atrial myxoma. While the most common cardiac malignancies are metastatic from other sources, myxoma is the most common primary intracardiac tumor.2 The differential diagnosis included intracardiac thrombus, metastatic neoplasm, or large vegetation.

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References

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2. Lam KY, Dickens P, Chan AC. Tumors of the heart. A 20-year experience with a review of 12,485 consecutive autopsies. Arch Pathol Lab Med 1993;117:1027–1031.
 
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