Cardiac Myxoma Presenting as Dyspnea after Cesarean Delivery

Abstract EN

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 G7P1051 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.