Atrial Myxoma

Atrial Myxoma

Atrial myxoma is a rare, non-cancerous tumour that develops in the upper chambers of the heart (atria). Although benign, it can cause serious complications — particularly when pieces of the tumour break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we specialise in post-stroke neurorehabilitation, supporting patients recovering from stroke events caused by conditions like atrial myxoma. Our consultant-led inpatient programmes are designed to rebuild strength, cognition and independence after complex strokes.

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What Is an Atrial Myxoma?

An atrial myxoma is the most common type of primary heart tumour, although it is still very rare. It typically grows in the left atrium and can interfere with normal blood flow or cause small fragments to detach (emboli).

These fragments may block blood vessels elsewhere in the body — most dangerously, the arteries supplying the brain, resulting in an embolic stroke.

Myxomas are often diagnosed following unexplained stroke symptoms or investigated through echocardiography and imaging.

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Symptoms and Warning Signs

Symptoms of atrial myxoma vary depending on size, location, and whether embolism has occurred. Common signs include:

• Stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, numbness, vision loss, speech difficulty)
• Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs)
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
• Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fever, weight loss or anaemia (inflammatory symptoms)

Because atrial myxomas often grow silently, stroke may be the first noticeable complication.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Atrial myxomas usually occur sporadically, without a clear genetic cause. However, in some cases, they may be part of a genetic syndrome, such as:

• Carney complex – a rare inherited condition associated with heart tumours and skin pigmentation abnormalities.

Risk factors may include:

• Female sex (myxomas are more common in women)
• Age between 30 and 60
• A family history of cardiac tumours (in hereditary forms)

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Diagnosis

Atrial myxomas are often diagnosed using:

• Echocardiogram – to visualise the tumour
• MRI or CT scan – to assess brain injury post-stroke
• Cardiac MRI – for detailed heart structure
• Angiography – to investigate embolic sources of stroke

If an embolic stroke has occurred, especially in a younger person without traditional risk factors, atrial myxoma is considered as a potential cause.

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Stroke Risk

An atrial myxoma can cause:

• Ischaemic stroke – when tumour fragments or blood clots block brain arteries
• TIA (mini-stroke) – with temporary neurological symptoms
• Multiple embolic events – affecting other organs such as the kidneys, spleen, or limbs

Stroke is often the first and most dangerous sign of the tumour’s presence. Once removed surgically, stroke risk usually decreases — but patients may require extensive rehabilitation to recover function and prevent future complications.

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How We Support Recovery

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults recovering from embolic strokes caused by atrial myxoma or other cardiac conditions.

Our multidisciplinary programmes are tailored to individual needs and may include:

• Neurological physiotherapy – to regain movement, strength, and coordination
• Speech and language therapy – for communication or swallowing support
• Cognitive rehabilitation – for memory, focus, and problem-solving
• Occupational therapy – to increase independence in daily tasks
• Neuropsychology – to support emotional adjustment and coping
• 24/7 nursing support – in a calm, specialist environment

We work closely with patients and their families to ensure continuity of care and long-term outcomes.

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Who We Support

We help adults (aged 18+) who:

• Have experienced a stroke caused by atrial myxoma
• Are recovering from post-surgical complications
• Require cognitive, physical, or psychological support after embolic stroke
• Need a structured inpatient rehabilitation programme

To learn more or enquire about availability, please call 01296 678800 or contact us online.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• One of the UK’s leading private neurorehabilitation centres
• Expertise in complex and rare causes of stroke
• Multidisciplinary consultant-led care
• Personalised therapy plans and long-term support
• Trusted by patients, families, and clinicians across the UK