Cardiac CT Appearances
Atrial Myxoma CT Findings
- Well defined, lobulated, smooth or oval mass
- Calcification common (50% of cases)
- Patchy enhancement on contrast enhanced CT
- May prolapse through cardiac valves
- Most common in left atrium
Other Information About Atrial Myxoma
Etiology:
- Unknown
- May be genetic
Epidemiology:
- Predominantly in females
- 4th-6th decades
Presentation:
- Breathing difficulty, especially when lying flat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Dizziness, fainting
- Fever
- Swelling of the extremities
Prognosis:
- With surgical resection, mortality rate is less than 5%
Related Pearls: Cardiac Tumors
Related Lectures:
CT of Cardiac Masses: Pearls and Pitfalls - Part 1
CT Detection and Evaluation of Cardiac Masses: What You Need to Know - Part 1