Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) presenting as a right atrial myxoma- A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension arise from an increase in resistance within the pulmonary vasculature, leading to consequences such as hypoxia, hypoxemia, and right heart failure. The underlying causes of this increased resistance are diverse and classified using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system. One specific etiology is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension or simply CTEPH. Case presentation: This case report focuses on a 42-year-old African American cisgender female who presented with a deep vein thrombosis in her left leg and shortness of breath. Further investigation revealed a large mass in her right atrium during a bedside echocardiogram, suggestive of a possible right atrial myxoma. This patient subsequently underwent median sternotomy with thrombectomy. Discussion: As a sequela to this clinical presentation, our patient developed pulmonary hypertension. This report delves into the challenges and complexities involved in diagnosing and treating pulmonary hypertension, while also highlighting the unique presentation of this patient.

Keywords

• pulmonary hypertension
• chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
• atrial myxoma