Atrial myxoma with endocarditis-like clinical presentation and neurological event

Norma P. Cárdenas-Flores, Departamento de Cardiología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Hospital de Pediatría, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jal., México
Sandra L. Pacheco-López, Departamento de Cardiología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Hospital de Pediatría, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jal., México
María F. Valdéz-Perales, Departamento de Cardiología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Hospital de Pediatría, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jal., México
Laura E. Rodríguez-Durán, Departamento de Cardiología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Hospital de Pediatría, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jal., México
Miriam G. Franco-Díaz, Departamento de Cardiología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Hospital de Pediatría, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jal., México

Cardiac myxomas are benign tumors that typically arise in the left atrium and account for 50% of all primary cardiac tumors. They can induce symptoms by obstructing blood flow, causing embolism, or producing general systemic symptoms. Cardiac myxomas derive from multipotent mesenchymal cells, which develop into a gelatinous mass. These tumors are usually solitary and pedunculated, often attached to the atrial septum via a stalk. Because cardiac myxomas pose a significant risk of life-threatening complications, such as embolism, heart failure, or sudden death, timely and effective care and treatment are essential. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient diagnosed with cardiac myxoma by histopathology. She presented clinically with cutaneous involvement consistent with systemic embolism secondary to suspected infective endocarditis. She was referred to a tertiary care center for diagnostic evaluation and to rule out rheumatological conditions such as lupus.

Keywords: Myxomas. Infective endocarditis. Primary cardiac tumors. Cerebral embolism.