RIGHT ATRIAL MYXOMA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Among the primary tumors of the heart, myxomas are by far the commonest (1). The commonest site fbr myxomas is the left atrium (1). Right atrial myxomas are relatively rare with just over a dozen reported cases in the English language literature. We present here, we believe, the first case of right atrial myxoma to be reported from this sub—continent.

DISCUSSION:

Cardiac Myxomas have been thought to be a great masquerador of various diseases as the presentations may be varied and may cause the patient to end in different medical specialities. A concomitant Atriai septal defect may need to be closed and tricuspid valve repaired if dama ged by the myxoma or even replaced if the tumor is attached to the tricuspid leaflet structure. Results are very gratifying, however, patient needs to be under medical surveillence to detect early any recurrence of the myxoma in the same or another chamber (8).

ACKNOWLED GEMENT:
We are grateful to Surgeon A. Wychulis M.D. of New Jersey U.S.A. who sent a resume of the surgery he performed on this patient.