Recurrent cardiac myxoma: why it occurs. A case report with literature review

Two years after surgical removal of a right atrial myxoma, recurrences were found in both atria: multiple tumors in the right atrium and one tumor in the left atrium. All were subsequently removed. There was no further recurrence during the following 3 years. We report on an unusual case which, to our knowledge, is the first time that such a case appears in the literature. We also discuss the clinical symptoms, diagnostic aspects, as well as details of a literature review regarding recurring myxoma. We think the recurrence in our case was due to totipotent multicentricity of the tumor. Previous studies showed that the recurrence might be due to the following reasons: inadequate resection, or multifocal pattern behaviour of a benign myxoma, either in the same or in a different location as the primary tumor. Familial disposition may also play a role in recurrent development. The abnormal DNA ploidy pattern of myxoma patients showed a high recurrence.