# Unusual Presentation of Cardiac Myxoma Mimicking Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation: A Report of a Rare Case

## TL;DR

A rare case of cardiac myxoma was mistaken for COPD, highlighting the importance of considering heart tumors in patients with unexplained breathing difficulties.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of cardiac myxoma's atypical presentation and emphasizes diagnostic considerations.

## Key findings

- A cardiac myxoma was misdiagnosed as COPD due to nonspecific symptoms like exertional dyspnea.
- Echocardiography identified a left atrial mass, leading to surgical confirmation of the myxoma diagnosis.
- The case highlights the need to consider cardiac myxoma in differential diagnoses for progressive breathing issues.

## Abstract

A cardiac myxoma is an authentic tumor that develops within the heart. Despite the typically benign histological characteristics, a cardiac myxoma may, on occasion, exhibit behavior reminiscent of malignant tumors. Most of these myxomas localize in the left atrium, often originating from a stalk near the foramen ovale region. The conventional presentation of cardiac myxomas includes a combination of obstruction, clot formation, and systemic symptoms, mirroring various other prevalent systemic diseases. They may manifest either spontaneously or through hereditary transmission. While familial myxomas are commonly linked to discernible genetic mutations, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying spontaneous myxomas remain somewhat enigmatic. Many individuals with myxomas may remain asymptomatic. However, should symptoms manifest, they can prove nonspecific and pose challenges in interpretation, particularly in instances of spontaneous heart myxomas. This report describes a 58-year-old female patient who presented with increasing severity of exertional dyspnea over a six-month duration. Initial differential diagnoses included common pulmonary and cardiac conditions, with a primary focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. An echocardiogram revealed a large mass in the left atrium suggestive of a cardiac myxoma. Surgical resection confirmed the diagnosis. This case underscores the significance of including cardiac myxoma in differential diagnoses for progressive exertional dyspnea. Early detection and surgical intervention are crucial in mitigating potential complications like stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.