Peter Dědič
Primary cardiac tumors are rare and approximately 75 % of tumors are benign. Myxomas account for nearly half of the benign cardiac tumors encountered and are therefore the most common primary cardiac tumors. Myxomas can present at any age (mean 50 - 62 years) and there is a female predominance (1.7:1 to 8:1). Over 75 % of myxomas occur in the left atrium. Myxomas cause atrial and mitral valve obstruction with hemodynamic alteration. The symptoms are indistinguishable from mitral valve stenosis. Constitutional symptoms are non specific. Myxomas can mimic an infectious, malignant or imunological disease. Peripheral tumor emboli may occur in 20 - 60 % of affected patients. About 20 - 56 % of patients are asymptomatic. The diagnostic method of choice is usually transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography. Treatment is surgical excision with an excellent long term prognosis and low risk of recurrence.