Cardiac Myxoma Presenting as Dyspnea after Cesarean Delivery. (13th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wyman, Allison; Hurd, William; Lappen, Justin
• Other Names: Naqvi Tasneem Z. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in medicine. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-06-13
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Case Reports; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/487385
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9627

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction. Dyspnea during pregnancy and in the immediate postpartum or postoperative period is a relatively common symptom that can be an early sign of a life threatening condition. The differential diagnosis is broad and can represent a wide variety of underlying etiologies. Cardiac tumors are one of the rarest causes of dyspnea in a reproductive age women during the postpartum period. Case Presentation. 42-years old G7 P1051 presented with acute dyspnea postoperatively after an elected uncomplicated repeat cesarean section and tubal ligation. The patient was diagnosed with a large left atrial cardiac myxoma and required urgent cardiothoracic surgery. Conclusion. The following case illustrates how a standard response to a common postpartum symptom, dyspnea, can divert and distract from less common exam findings. A careful, stepwise evaluation of symptoms and related findings will usually determine the underlying cause so that appropriate and timely treatment can be initiated.