TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF CARDIAC MYXOMA - A CASE OF FAMILIAL MYXOMA

The vast majority of atrial myxomas are readily apparent on standard t ransthoracic echocardiography. We present the case of a young woman wi th known history of familial myxoma, in whom a large left atrial mass was identified on transthoracic echocardiography. Transesophageal stud y more clearly delineated the extent and origin of the tumor. In addit ion, an unsuspected tumor in the right ventricle was also identified. These findings were confirmed at surgery, and both masses were excised . The advantages of transesophageal echocardiography in evaluation and management of this unusual subset of patients with cardiac tumor are discussed.