Myxoma Disease

What is Myxoma Disease?

Myxoma is located on the left side of the heart. Left atrial myxomas are usually located in the septum (heart wall) region between the two atria, which prevents clean and dirty blood from mixing. The mass located in the heart wall is connected to the septum by a stalk. It does not move around, but it is mobile. If it has a loose structure, it may pass from the left atrium of the heart through the mitral valve and pass into the left ventricle, or the valve may become blocked. Its size can increase up to 15 centimeters.

Myxoma may have a smooth or budded appearance. It may have a stalked or stalkless appearance that attaches to the heart wall. The structure of myxoma is generally easily degradable. It may have a yellow or white color covered with clots. Myxoma, which has a very sensitive structure, should be treated very calmly and gently during the surgery. It may shatter in case of harsh intervention.

Complaints of Myxoma Patients

The complaints of the patients are mostly similar to the complaints of mitral valve disease. People with myxoma disease experience palpitations and shortness of breath. Shortness of breath occurs as the patient exerts effort while walking. Based on these complaints of the patient, a mistaken diagnosis of Mitral Valve Disease may be made.

In addition to patients' complaints such as shortness of breath and heart palpitations, myxoma patients may sometimes experience fainting and fever. The fainting patient regains consciousness as he falls to the ground. Because when the patient stands, the myxoma mass blocks the valve and stops blood flow to the brain. As a result of the patient falling to the ground, the mass comes out of the mitral valve and blood flow to the brain is restored. In patients with myxoma; Complaints such as fainting, getting tired easily, muscle pain, and joint pain occur.

The findings of myxoma patients are examined in two groups: cardiac findings and body findings.

Heart Findings;

Heart Murmur is encountered as signs of mitral stenosis or insufficiency. What distinguishes myxoma disease from mitral valve disease is that the murmur changes when the patient moves.

General Findings of the Body;

Palpitations, fever, weight loss, vascular occlusions, and pale skin.

What is seen as a result of the tests performed on myxoma patients?

Anemia is observed,

ECG changes can be monitored.

Diagnosis is made by echocardiography.