ABSTRACT
Tumors of the heart are uncommon. Both primary and metastatic tumors occur in the heart. Metastatic tumors are much more frequent than primary ones and occur in the ratio of 20:1 to 40:1. Of the primary tumors of the heart 75% to 80% are benign and the remaining are malignant tumors. Rhabdomyomas may exist either as a single large mass, multiple lobulated nodules or numerous minute lesions distributed on the entire surface of heart. The myxoma cell has ultrastructural features resembling smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and myofibroblasts. The cell membrane of most of the myxoma cells is thrown into prominent folds. Clinical presentation of cardiac myxoma includes constitutional features, obstructive effects and embolic phenomenon. The presenting features in over 90 percent cases are dyspnea on exertion, fever, malaise, arthralgia, rash, and clubbing of fingers. Features of mitral valve stenosis, pulmonary hypertension and systemic embolisation may be encountered.
