Complex cardiac myxoma

Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign intracardiac tumour, and are more common in women. Since many patients suffer from cerebral or systemic embolism, early diagnosis is vital to plan for surgical intervention. Surgical excision is advocated as soon as possible, particularly in left atrial myxoma, because of the high risk of valvular obstruction and systemic embolisation. Patients with a family history of the disorder are at greater risk of tumour recurrence.