|
|
Normal |
Abnormal |
|
|
- This is a primary tumor of the
heart. It is quite rare. It usually begins in the septum
between the two heart ventricles, with 80% of the tumors
growing into the left atrium. Though it is a benign tumor,
it can become serious when a part of it breaks off and
embolizes (moves) into the blood vessels and causes an
obstruction of blood flow. If, for example, the tumor
embolizes to the brain, it can block off part of the blood
supply to the brain and cause a
stroke.
|
|
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Edema (swelling of the legs)
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Cough
- Fever
- Loss of energy
- Weight loss
- Clubbed fingers
- Vision loss
- Confusion
|
|
- Ophthalmologic examination may
show retinal infarction (death to
the retinal tissue) due to emboli.
- Jugular venous distention
-- neck veins show increased bulging.
- Heart -- may reveal a
middiastolic or presystolic murmur (resembles the murmur
of mitral or tricuspid stenosis). The heart rhythm
may be irregular.
- Lung exam may show crackles (left sided myxoma
only).
- Echocardiogram will
show the myxoma and related heart valve problems.
- Other tests that may show the myxoma include Chest X-Ray, CT scan,
MRI, and cardiac catheterization.
- EKG may show atrial fibrillation.
- Blood tests: Complete blood count
may show anemia. Sedimentation rate is
decreased.
|
|
- Surgical tumor removal is the only
treatment.
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
|
|
|