Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Young Adult: Rare Presentation of Giant Atrial Myxoma

Abstract

Cardiac tumors are rare entities, among which atrial myxoma (AM) stands as the most frequent, accounting for approximately half of all reported cases. The incidence of AM is estimated to range from 0.001% to 0.3% within the general population, yet only about 0.06% of these cases present with coronary embolic events.

We report on a 33-year-old male smoker who experienced acute, severe precordial pain radiating to the left upper limb, lasting for one hour. The electrocardiographic evaluation demonstrated ST-segment elevation in leads D2, D3, and aVF, alongside significantly elevated serum troponin levels, confirming a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Subsequent coronary angiography revealed proximal occlusion of the right coronary artery due to thrombus. An initial attempt of thrombus aspiration was unsuccessful, followed by primary angioplasty with balloon inflation without stent placement. Further diagnostic exploration through transthoracic echocardiography identified a homogenous, smooth-surfaced mass measuring 5.2 cm x 2.3 cm attached to the interatrial septum. This mass, characterized by lobulations, prolapsed into the mitral valve and left ventricle during diastole, consistent with AM. Surgical resection of the mass was successfully performed, with the patient being discharged asymptomatic.

In the reported case, the patient's profile, notably his age, and gender, diverges from the typical epidemiological characteristics associated with AM. This case adds to the limited number of reports where the inferior wall is affected by the right coronary artery being occluded. This report emphasizes the significance of differential diagnoses in younger patients presenting with STEMI.

Keywords ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction; Young Adult; Myxoma; Diagnostic Imaging/methods