Ischemic Stroke Revealing a Left Atrial Myxoma and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in a 56-Year-Old Woman
H. Hatim
*
Cardiology Department, University Hospital IBN ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco.
Z. Hamdani
Cardiology Department, University Hospital IBN ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco.
M. Rochd
Cardiology Department, University Hospital IBN ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco.
M. Bouziane
Cardiology Department, University Hospital IBN ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco.
M. Haboub
Cardiology Department, University Hospital IBN ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco.
S. Arous
Cardiology Department, University Hospital IBN ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco.
A. Drighil
Cardiology Department, University Hospital IBN ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco.
R. Habbal
Cardiology Department, University Hospital IBN ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Left atrial myxomas are rare but potentially serious tumors capable of causing systemic embolism and obstructive cardiac symptoms. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with cardiovascular risk factors who was admitted for an acute ischemic stroke. Investigations revealed a large mass attached to the interatrial septum, highly suggestive of a myxoma, associated with biatrial dilation. Surgical excision was successfully performed. Subsequent Holter monitoring uncovered silent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, requiring long-term anticoagulation therapy. This case highlights that even when an obvious embolic source such as a myxoma is identified, it remains essential to search for underlying pathologies, particularly atrial fibrillation, to optimize management and secondary prevention.
Keywords: Hypertension, dyslipidemia, ischemic stroke, left atrial myxomas