Definition
It is the common primary tumour of heart, usually benign, may be pedunculated, polypoid,
gelatinous, attached by a pedicle to the atrial septum. It may be sporadic and familial. It occurs
in any age (third to sixth decade), and any sex (more in females).
Sites of Origin
• Left atrium (75%), near the fossa ovalis or its margin.
• Right atrium, rarely from ventricles.
Clinical Features
There are 3 groups of manifestations—
• Obstructive features like MS, signs vary with posture. Occasionally, there is a low-pitched
sound called tumour plop. There may be syncope or vertigo.
• Embolic features either systemic or pulmonary embolism.
• Constitutional features like fever, malaise, weakness, loss of weight, myalgia, arthralgia, clubbing,
skin rash, Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Investigations
• CBC—anaemia, leucocytosis, polycythaemia, high ESR, thrombocytopaenia or thrombocytosis.
• Hypergammaglobulinaemia.
• Chest X-ray (may be similar to MS).
• Echocardiogram—2D or transoesophageal.
• CT scan or MRI may be done.
Treatment
Surgical excision. Recurrence may occur.