atrial myxoma

Question 1

What is the most common primary cardiac tumour?

Answer 1

Atrial myxoma

Atrial myxoma is the most frequently occurring primary tumor of the heart.

Question 2

In what percentage of cases does atrial myxoma occur in the left atrium?

Answer 2

75%

Most often, the tumor is found attached to the fossa ovalis.

Question 3

Is atrial myxoma more common in males or females?

Answer 3

Females

Atrial myxoma has a higher prevalence in female patients.

Question 4

What systemic symptoms are associated with atrial myxoma?

Answer 4

Dyspnoea, fatigue, weight loss, pyrexia of unknown origin, clubbing

These symptoms can vary among patients.

Question 5

What are potential complications of atrial myxoma?

Answer 5

Emboli, atrial fibrillation

These complications arise due to the tumor’s location and effects on blood flow.

Question 6

What type of heart sound may be heard in patients with atrial myxoma?

Answer 6

Mid-diastolic murmur, ‘tumour plop’

These sounds are characteristic of the presence of the tumor.

Question 7

What does an echocardiogram typically show in cases of atrial myxoma?

Answer 7

Pedunculated heterogeneous mass typically attached to the fossa ovalis region of the interatrial septum

This imaging feature is crucial for diagnosis.