Giant Right Atrial Myxoma: The Importance of Transesophageal Echocardiography during Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Resection

Abstract

Most cardiac tumors are benign myxomas, and are most commonly found in the left atrium. Such tumors are identified either during symptomatic workup or found incidentally. We present a case in which a patient with recurrent transient ischemic attacks and syncope was found to have a giant right atrial myxoma with subsequent right atrial outflow obstruction. The mass was initially diagnosed on transthoracic echocardiography and its full scope was detailed utilizing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). With swift intervention, the mass was successfully removed with the help of TEE guidance and the patient made a full recovery. The importance of TEE both preoperatively and intraoperatively during resection of giant cardiac masses is highlighted.