Abstract
A 40-year-old housewife with left atrial myxoma was reported and discussed. The following findings, as observed in our case, would be valuable in diagnosis of left atrial myxoma prior to cardiac catheterization: 1) a prolonged first heart sound in the phonocardiogram; 2) one or two notches in the systolic upstroke of the apexcardiogram; and 3) an extra positive wave just after the systolic downstroke of the apexcardiogram.
At right heart catheterization, prominent C and V waves and a rapid Y descent are suggestive of left atrial myxoma in the absence of other features of significant mitral regurgitation. A marked spontaneous fluctuation of the V wave in the pulmonary wedge pressure would be an additional feature suggesting left atrial myxoma. A right pleural effusion was observed to persist in our case and was attributed to impaired venous return from the right pulmonary veins by the tumor.
