Cardiac Tumors Questions

These tumors are most commonly found in the right atrium.

Myxomas have a characteristically firm texture and rarely embolize.

They arise from multipotential mesenchymal cells.

Myxomas usually are attached to the free atrial or ventricular wall.

There is no malignant potential.

Question 2: Which of the following statements is true regarding the clinical presentation of myxoma?

Intermittent obstruction is the major cause of symptoms and death with left atrial tumors.

About 50% of emboli from myxomas involve intra- or extracranial arteries.

Large left atrial myxomas are the most likely to produce systemic emboli.

Smaller tumors are more likely to cause constitutional symptoms.

Clubbing and paradoxical emoblism are common manifestations of right atrial tumors.

Question 3: Which of the following statements is true regarding the diagnosis of myxoma?

Familial myxoma is more common in men and is most often located in the ventricular cavities.

A singular non-familial myxoma characteristically has an abnormal ploidy pattern.

Obstructive symptoms from atrial myxomas tend to be progressive and can be associated with heart failure.

Echocardiography is not sensitive enough to identify the precise chamber of origin.

The development of constitutional symptoms is associated with a rapid progression to death within 1-2 years.

Question 4: Which of the following statements is true regarding operative management and results for myxoma?

A portion of the atrial septum should not be excised, as most tumors can be enucleated.

Large left atrial tumors should be removed piecemeal through a small left atrial incision.

Ventricular myxomas should be resected through a ventriculotomy.

Less than 25% of familial myxomas recur.

Up to 10% of patients die from embolic complications prior to surgery.

Question 5: Which of the following statements is true regarding papillary fibroelastoma?

These tumors are typically large and cause intermittent obstruction.

They characteristically develop on a valve leaflet.

Associated valve excision and replacement is usually required.

Recurrence is common due to multiple tumors at initial presentation.

Patients should be followed expectantly until symptoms develop.

Question 6: Which of the following statements is true regarding rhabdomyoma?

Up to 50% of patients will have associated tuberous sclerosis.

The tumor usually presents in late childhood or adolescence with obstructive symptoms.

Rhabdomyomas are typically located in the right atrium, producing supraventricular tachycardias.

At operation, the tumor is easily palpable as a large firm mass embedded in the ventricular wall.

Good results can be expected after operation .

Question 7: Which of the following statements is true regarding other cardiac tumors?

Fibromas are usually inoperable due to extensive myocardial infiltration.

Lipomas usually are located in the ventricular septum.

Pheochromocytomas are found within the pericardium or adherent to the epicardium.

All cardiac teratomas are malignant and lead to early death.

Resection of cardiac sarcoma should result in cure in the majority of patients.