Left atrial mass found on cardiac ultrasound leading to emergent thrombectomy

Abstract

Atrial myxomas, though the most common primary cardiac neoplasm, remain a rare disease occurring in about 0.03% of the population. While clinically benign, they are considered functionally malignant as they can cause life-threatening embolic events. Here we present a patient with a high-risk intermediate pulmonary embolism where bedside ultrasound revealed significant right ventricular dysfunction with an associated large left atrial mass. These findings combined with the patient's instability allowed her to be rushed to surgery for definitive treatment.