Excision of a Left Atrial Myxoma Turns Out to be a Rare Presentation of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma on Histopathology

Abstract

Cardiac myxomas are benign primary tumors of the heart, accounting for approximately 50% of all primary heart tumors. A 50 years old female presented to the outpatient department with complaints of shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations, and easy fatigability ongoing for a period of six to eight months. Echocardiography findings revealed a large mass about 4.9 cm² in the left atrium, suggestive of atrial myxoma with mild mitral regurgitation. She was planned for open heart surgical excision of her LA-Myxoma. The patient tolerated the procedure well and had an uneventful post-operative course. Histological evaluation of the specimen led to the diagnosis of a Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Patient recovered well and was referred to oncological facility, where she was started on chemotherapy sessions. At 06 months follow up patient was seen in good cardiac health and no residual cardiac dysfunction, mass or defect. No matter how classical clinical and imaging presentation in favor of benign myxoma may be, the tissue must be sent for appropriate histological examination and tissue diagnosis when excised through indicated cardiac surgery.