Non-syndromic aortic valve myxoma in a teen, cause of angina symptoms

• Main Authors: Geoffrey Joseph Changwe, Tao Zhang, Haizhou Zhang, Chengwei Zou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2019-07-01
• Series: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Subjects: Cardiac myxoma; Aortic valve myxoma; Non-syndromic; Carney complex
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13019-019-0968-x

Abstract Background Cardiac myxoma, a common benign primary tumor of the heart can be categorized into syndromic (Carney Complex) and non-syndromic(isolated). Carney Complex associated myxomas can be found in any region and system (cardiac, cutaneous, osseous, genitalia), and may manifest at a tender age. On the contrary, non-syndromic cardiac myxomas are usually confined to the chambers, and symptoms often present from 5th decade of life. Aortic valve myxoma is a very unusual occurrence, and presentation in a teen is extremely rare. Case report We share a case of aortic valve myxoma, uncovered using echocardiography in a 16-year-old male, admitted with complaints of exertional chest pain, dyspnoea and systolic murmur. Patient underwent uneventful surgery for tumor excision, and discharged 6-days post operation. Conclusion Given the high risk of developing cardiogenic stroke, infective endocarditis, degenerative effects on aortic valve leaflets and possible sudden death, like many other centers, we advocate for immediate liquidation of aortic myxoma regardless of age and symptoms.