Summary about Disease
Atrial myxoma is a rare, noncancerous (benign) tumor that grows in the heart. It is the most common type of primary cardiac tumor in adults. Most atrial myxomas grow in the left atrium (the upper left chamber of the heart). These tumors can interfere with the heart's function by obstructing blood flow, damaging heart valves, or releasing fragments that travel to other parts of the body, causing various complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of atrial myxoma can be varied and mimic other heart conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Some people may have no symptoms, especially if the tumor is small. Common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)
Fatigue
Chest pain
Dizziness or fainting
Cough
Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Fever
Weight loss
Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers and toes turn white or blue in response to cold or stress)
Causes
The exact cause of atrial myxoma is unknown in most cases. Most are sporadic, meaning they occur randomly without a clear genetic link. However, a small percentage of cases are familial and associated with genetic syndromes such as Carney complex. These syndromes involve multiple tumors, including myxomas and skin abnormalities.
Medicine Used
4. Medicine used There is no medicine to treat Atrial Myxoma. Surgery is the primary treatment. Medications may be used to manage symptoms before surgery, such as:
Anticoagulants (blood thinners): To prevent blood clots if the myxoma is causing clotting issues.
Diuretics: To reduce fluid retention and swelling.
Medications for heart failure or arrhythmias: To manage related complications.
Is Communicable
Atrial myxoma is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent atrial myxoma, as the cause is largely unknown. For individuals with a family history of Carney complex or other genetic syndromes associated with myxomas, genetic counseling and screening may be recommended. Individuals diagnosed with atrial myxoma should:
Follow their doctor's instructions carefully.
Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
Undergo regular check-ups and echocardiograms as recommended.
How long does an outbreak last?
Atrial myxoma is not an infectious disease, therefore it does not have outbreaks. It is a tumor. If not treated symptoms will persist.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
Physical Examination: Listening to the heart for unusual sounds (murmurs).
Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart, usually transthoracic (through the chest wall) but sometimes transesophageal (through the esophagus), is the primary diagnostic tool. It visualizes the tumor, its size, location, and impact on heart function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): To assess heart rhythm and detect abnormalities.
Chest X-ray: To evaluate the size and shape of the heart and lungs.
Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: May be used to provide more detailed images of the tumor and surrounding structures, especially if the echocardiogram is inconclusive.
Blood Tests: To rule out other conditions and assess overall health.
Timeline of Symptoms
9. Timeline of symptoms The timeline of symptoms can vary. In some cases, the growth of the tumor and onset of symptoms may be slow and gradual over months or years. In others, symptoms may appear suddenly, particularly if a fragment of the tumor breaks off (embolizes) and travels to another part of the body. The exact timeline is unpredictable and depends on the size, location, and growth rate of the myxoma.
Important Considerations
Surgical Removal: Surgical removal of the myxoma is the standard treatment. In most cases, surgery is curative.
Recurrence: Although rare, myxomas can recur, especially in familial cases. Regular follow-up echocardiograms are essential to monitor for recurrence.
Complications: Potential complications of atrial myxoma include stroke, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and sudden cardiac death. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications.
Genetic Testing: Individuals with a family history of cardiac myxomas or features suggestive of Carney complex should undergo genetic testing.
Embolization Risk: Atrial Myxomas are fragile and pieces can break off and travel in the bloodstream. This is referred to as embolization and can cause serious problems such as stroke, kidney failure, or limb ischemia.