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Left atrial myxoma

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Elderly lady presented with features of an embolic stroke

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Female
ct

The patient underwent an echograph prior to the CT study.

Low attenuation mass within the left atrium with internal calcification.

The myxoma arising from the intra-atrial septum.

Case Discussion

The majority of cardiac myxomas occur within the left atrium. They are typically low attenuation and may contain areas of dystrophic calcification. They arise from the intra-atrial septum and are usually well defined with a smooth border. Usually, there is no evidence of enhancement following contrast.

The differential for an intrachamber cardiac mass includes: thrombus, lipoma, metastasis, lymphoma and primary tumors, such as a myxoma. 

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