Clinical and Histopathological Analysis of 66 Cases withCardiac Myxoma

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Cardiac myxoma is a major primary heart tumor which often causes unexpectedsymptoms or sudden death. This present study was designed to investigate its clinical pathological features andbiological behavior. <br /><strong>Methods</strong>: A retrospective analysis of the clinical pathologic and immunohistochemical featuresof 66 cases with cardiac myxoma was conducted. <br /><strong>Results</strong>: In 66 patients with cardiac myxoma, 61 cases hadinvolvement of the left atrium, one case in both the right ventricular and left atria. The female: male ratio was2.7:1. Patients had symptoms of blood flow obstruction and systemic alterations with performance of arterialembolization. Tumors were spherical, lobulated or irregular in shape, and soft and brittle. Immunohistochemicalmarkers of vimentin and CD34 in tumor cells were positive. <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Cardiac myxoma always exists in theleft atrium and is more common in women, with diverse clinical manifestations and pathomorphism. Althoughproliferative activity and the recurrence rate are low, in addition to thorough surgical resection, strengthenedreview is important for young patients.