Myxoma Cordis

Diagnosis Established Pre-operatively; Surgical Removal of the Tumour

¹ The Clinic for Internal Diseases, State University of Groningen.
² Surgical Clinic, State University of Groningen.

A case of pedicled myxoma cordis, originating from the septum of the left atrium in a 45-year-old man, in whom the diagnosis had been established pre-operatively is recorded. Operation was decided on because the patient had already suffered a severe attack of cardiac decompensation. The tumour, measured 6.5 X 4 X 5 cm., was removed under hypothermia. After the temperature had fallen 1°(immersion cooling) cardiac arrest arose, most probably due to obstruction of the mitral ostium by the lower pole of the tumour. Cardiac rhythm was restored by means of heart massage, and the operation was terminated transatrially without any loss of blood or air embolism. Unfortunately, ventricular fibrillation arose shortly afterwards; although this was overcome in the beginning, death was unavoidable due to repeated ventricular fibrillation.