Cardiac myxomas - clinical spectrum and outcome

To describe the characteristics and outcome of patients with cardiac myxomas. All patients diagnosed and managed as having cardiac myxomas at AKUH, during a period of six years (1999-2004) were included. Data was collected by reviewing clinical records. Follow-up data was collected from the clinical records and by a telephone interview where required. Out of 15 patients who were diagnosed to have cardiac myxomas, complete information was available in 14 patients. There was a female predominance (64%) with a mean age of 47 years. About two-thirds (71%) had symptom of dyspnoea. Half of the patients (50%) had neurological symptoms at presentation. Constitutional symptoms were present in 36% of patients. About two-third of patients (71%) had positive findings on cardiac auscultation. None of the patients had any rhythm abnormalities on the ECG. Diagnosis was made by transthoracic echocardiography in all patients. All of the tumors were located in the left atrium, and majority (64%) were attached to the interatrial septum. All patients were advised surgical treatment, however, only 8 (57%) were operated upon. Outcome was good in those who were operated upon, with no peri and postoperative mortality. (author)