Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign intracardiac tumors. We studied the clinical presentation of cardiac myxomas, their morbidity, mortality and recurrence rate following surgery at our institution over a period of four years. METHODS: During August 2008 to November 2012, a total of 12023 cardiac surgeries were performed. Amongst these, 50 patients (12 males, 38 females) underwent complete removal of primary or recurrent intracardiac myxomas. Complete tumor excision with a cuff of interatrial septum followed copious saline irrigation of the cardiac chambers was performed in each case. RESULTS: Forty six patients survived the surgery of which 43 are being followed up at regular intervals for development of recurrence. Myxomas constituted 0.41% of the total cardiac surgeries at our institute. Most of them were noted in the fourth decade. The commonest location was left atrium (74%) followed by right atrium (22%). Only one patient had a myxoma in the right ventricle. Forty six patients (92%) survived the surgery. CONCLUSION: Cardiac myxoma excision account for a very small percentage of cardiac procedures. Immediate surgical treatment is indicated in all patients. Cardiac myxomas can be excised with a low rate of mortality and morbidity.