Herzmixom: Gutartiger Tumor, operative Entfernung, ausgezeichnete Prognose

Cardiac myxomas are rare (5% of primary heart tumors), usually benign, gelatinous, pedunculated masses—75% in the left atrium.

Presentation

• Constitutional: fever, weight loss, fatigue (IL-6 production)
• Obstructive: dyspnea, orthopnea, syncope (mitral valve obstruction)
• Embolic: stroke, peripheral emboli (friable surface)

Diagnosis

Echocardiography (TTE/TEE) is first-line; CT/MRI for surgical planning.

Treatment

Surgical resection (median sternotomy or minimally invasive) is curative. Cardiopulmonary bypass used. Recurrence <1–3% (sporadic); higher in familial (CNC syndrome).

Prognosis

• Excellent after complete resection.
• Most return to full activity.
• Long-term echo surveillance recommended.

Early diagnosis prevents catastrophic embolization or obstruction.