Left atrial myxoma. Diagnostic and surgical aspects.

Left atrial myxomas may present with signs of mitral valve obstruction, embolic phenomena or systemic disease. The diagnosis is suspected on clinical grounds and confirmed by angiocardiography. However, the tumor may be unexpectedly discovered on surgical exploration. Once the diagnosis is established, operation, using cardiopulmonary bypass, should be done promptly. A coexisting valvular lesion should be looked for. Complete cure may be expected, especially if the involved atrial septum is excised and repaired by patch replacement.