Long-term follow-up of atrial myxoma.

Experience of I2 patients with atrial myxoma over a period of Io years is reviewed. Eleven patients had a left atrial tumour and one a right atrial tumour. Successful surgical removal was carried out in 9 (8 left, and I right). Three patients died before operation, the diagnosis having been made in life in 2 of them. Seven patients with left atrial myxoma have been followed for 5 to Io years after operation. Two died after 4 and 6 years, respectively, from probable neoplasia of the lungs without evidence of a recurrence of the myxoma. All the remaining 5 patients are well and without any evidence of recurrence, apparently having been cured of the condition. Angiocardiography and cardiac catheterization in 4 patients revealed relief of left atrial and pulmonary arterial hypertension. There was no evidence of a space-occupying lesion in the left atrium. The importance of early diagnosis and surgical treatment is stressed, and the advisability of removing part of the atrial septum surrounding the tumour is commented upon. The value of echocardiography in establishing the diagnosis, and thus avoiding the necessity for angiography, is discussed. It is concluded that though recurrence, which has been reported in 2 cases, is rare, regular follow-up is advisable.