Right atrial myxoma with a large tumor embolus in the left pulmonary artery

Abstract

Cardiac myxoma, the most common primary cardiac tumor, usually develops in the left atrium. Right atrial myxomas are rare, especially those accompanied by pulmonary tumor embolism. We describe a case of a right atrial myxoma with a large tumor embolus in the left pulmonary artery. A 74-year-old man was referred to our hospital for the treatment of a right atrial tumor. Upon echocardiography, the right atrial tumor was revealed to have a mobile and tail-like surface projection. In addition, computed tomography showed that an embolus was wedged into the left pulmonary artery. We performed an emergency surgery to remove both the right atrial tumor and the pulmonary embolus. Histopathological examination revealed them both to be myxoma. Right atrial myxoma with a large pulmonary tumor embolus is a serious condition and emergency surgery to remove both cardiac tumors and pulmonary emboli should be performed to avoid the risk of sudden death.