# Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Secondary to Left Atrial Myxoma: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges and Multidisciplinary Management

## TL;DR

A 68-year-old woman with acute heart failure was found to have a rare heart tumor, which was successfully treated through surgery and recovery.

## Contribution

This case report emphasizes the diagnostic challenges and multidisciplinary management of left atrial myxoma presenting as acute heart failure.

## Key findings

- Left atrial myxoma can present as acute decompensated heart failure and cause significant valve obstruction.
- Emergency surgery followed by valve replacement and extracorporeal life support led to significant patient recovery.
- The patient remained asymptomatic at follow-up with no cardiac decompensation.

## Abstract

Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign tumors of the heart, with clinical manifestations varying significantly based on tumor size. Symptoms can range from asymptomatic and mild non-specific presentations to severe obstructive cardiac and systemic findings. This case report describes a 68-year-old female patient who presented with acute decompensated heart failure. Diagnostic evaluation revealed a left atrial myxoma causing significant mitral valve obstruction. The patient underwent emergency cardiac surgery for tumor removal, complicated by severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Following valve replacement and repair, the patient required extracorporeal life support. Despite these complexities, she achieved significant recovery and was discharged in good condition. At follow-up, she remained asymptomatic with no signs of cardiac decompensation. This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac myxoma as a differential diagnosis in such cases to prevent potential complications.