Current diagnosis and management of cardiac myxomas

Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2015 Apr;13(4):369-75. doi: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1024108.

Abstract

Cardiac myxoma is the most common cardiac neoplasm. In the majority of cases, it is isolated (non-syndromic) and located in the left atrium. In up to 10% cases, it is seen in syndromic association with the Carney complex where it is encountered in younger patients, with atypical and multiple locations, such as the right atrium or ventricles, and carries a high risk of recurrence. Imaging is pivotal in the diagnosis, management guidance and surveillance. Surgical excision is the established definitive treatment. Further research should address management strategies in incidentally discovered small myxomas in asymptomatic patients and the role of genetic testing and screening in syndromic myxomas.

Keywords: Carney complex; cardiac tumor; diagnosis; echocardiography; heart neoplasms; myxoma; pathology; prognosis; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asymptomatic Diseases
  • Carney Complex / complications
  • Carney Complex / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase RIalpha Subunit / genetics
  • Disease Management
  • Echocardiography
  • Genetic Testing
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Heart Neoplasms / etiology
  • Heart Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Myxoma / diagnosis*
  • Myxoma / etiology
  • Myxoma / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase RIalpha Subunit
  • PRKAR1A protein, human