Heart, Myxoma, H&E stain [LMP23176]
Keywords
myxoma, cardiac
Clinical History
Left atrial mass.
Clinical Discussion
In adults, myxomas are the most common primary tumour of the heart. Myxomas commonly occur sporadically, however familial forms exist and are associated with McCune-Albright syndrome or Carney complex. The majority of myxomas arise in the atria, most commonly the left atrium.
Grossly, myxomas are pedunculated or sessile soft gelatinous tumours which may have areas of intratumoral haemorrhage. Microscopically, as seen in this example, myxomas are composed of variably elongated / stellate to polyhedral shaped cells which may occur singly or in nests which may resemble glands. These cells are embedded within a myxoid matrix of acid mucopolyssacharide ground substance which stains blue-green on the accompanying Movat’s stain. Intratumoral haemorrhage is also seen in this case.
Left untreated, myxomas may cause valvular obstruction, embolization, or constitutional symptoms (eg. fever, weight loss, malaise). Surgical resection is typically curative.
Grossly, myxomas are pedunculated or sessile soft gelatinous tumours which may have areas of intratumoral haemorrhage. Microscopically, as seen in this example, myxomas are composed of variably elongated / stellate to polyhedral shaped cells which may occur singly or in nests which may resemble glands. These cells are embedded within a myxoid matrix of acid mucopolyssacharide ground substance which stains blue-green on the accompanying Movat’s stain. Intratumoral haemorrhage is also seen in this case.
Left untreated, myxomas may cause valvular obstruction, embolization, or constitutional symptoms (eg. fever, weight loss, malaise). Surgical resection is typically curative.
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