# From Cold Fingers to Stroke: A Rare Pediatric Case of Left Atrial Myxoma Revealed by Raynaud’s Phenomenon

## TL;DR

A rare case of a left atrial myxoma in a child presented with Raynaud’s phenomenon and stroke, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and surgical intervention.

## Contribution

This paper presents a rare pediatric case linking Raynaud’s phenomenon to a cardiac myxoma and acute stroke.

## Key findings

- A seven-year-old boy with Raynaud’s phenomenon was found to have a left atrial myxoma after suffering a stroke.
- Emergency surgery successfully removed the tumor, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis.
- The case emphasizes the importance of considering cardiac masses in pediatric stroke cases.

## Abstract

Primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare in children, with atrial myxomas representing only a small subset. We report the case of a seven-year-old boy initially followed for Raynaud’s phenomenon, who later presented with acute ischemic stroke. Neurological examination and MRI confirmed left hemispheric infarction. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large, mobile mass occupying the left atrium and prolapsing into the left ventricle, highly suggestive of myxoma. Emergency surgical resection was performed, achieving complete excision of the tumor with uneventful recovery. Histopathological analysis confirmed a left atrial myxoma. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenge of pediatric myxomas, which can present with nonspecific symptoms such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, rarely reported in association with cardiac tumors. It also highlights the importance of considering cardiac masses in the differential diagnosis of pediatric stroke. Prompt surgical management is crucial to prevent fatal embolic events, while long-term follow-up remains essential given the risk of recurrence.