Left atrial myxoma metastasizing to the brain: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Cardiac myxomas, the most common primary cardiac tumors, are believed to originate from multipotent mesenchymal cells. Approximately 75% of myxomas occur within the left atrium, increasing the risk of systemic thromboembolic events. While typically benign, atrial myxomas can rarely metastasize to the brain, with fewer than 60 cases reported. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of left atrial myxoma who developed headaches, right arm weakness, and blurry vision three months post-cardiac surgery. Imaging showed multiple hemorrhagic brain lesions, and she was treated with whole brain radiotherapy (20 Gy/5 fractions). Four years later, she remains stable with no new lesions and has fully regained function. Currently, there is no standard management for cardiac myxoma metastases. This case highlights the potential role of radiotherapy in managing brain metastases from left atrial myxomas, suggesting a possible treatment strategy based on this case and a review of the literature.