Atrial Myxomas : Special Emphasis on 504 Unusual Manifestations *

From January 1959 to January 1969, eight patients with atrial myxoma were seen at Emory University and Grady Memorial hospitals. Five patients had symptoms and signs compatible with mitral stenosis, three of whom underwent surgery with an incorrect preoperative diagnosis of mitral stenosis. Two myxomas were found at autopsy, one in a patient who died of acute myocardial infarction. One patient had findings suggestive of mitral stenosis and symptoms of subacute bacterial endocarditis. One patient was seen for recurrent dyspnea and a calcified right atrial mass and one for dyspnea and unexplained cyanosis. Myxoma of the heart is more common than generally realized and its clinical manifestations vary and can mimic other clinical entities. Therefore, a high index of suspicion concerning their diagnosis is needed. Early diagnosis should be established utilizing angiocardiography and immediate resection should be performed before catastrophic complications occur. The results of the surgical treatment of atrial myxoma are gratifying and long lasting.