Recurrent cardiac myxoma: Why it occurs - A case report with literature review

Two years after surgical removal of a right atrial myxoma, recurrences were found in both atria: multiple tumors in the right atrium and one tumor in the left atrium. All were subsequently removed. There was no further recurr ence during the following 3 years. We report on an unusual case which, to o ur knowledge, is the first time that such a case appears in the literature. We also discuss the clinical symptoms, diagnostic aspects, as well as deta ils of a literature review regarding recurring myxoma. We think the recurre nce in our case was due to totipotent multicentricity of the tumor. Previou s studies showed that the recurrence might be due to the following reasons: inadequate resection, or multifocal pattern behaviour of a benign myxoma, either in the same or in a different location as the primary tumor. Familia l disposition may also play a role in recurrent development. The abnormal D NA ploidy pattern of myxoma patients showed a high recurrence.