Cardiac myxomas are uncommon. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce morbidity or mortality. Before 1970, preoperative diagnosis was difficult. With the development of echocardiography, a correct diagnosis is made before operation. We reviewed our clinical experience in diagnosis and management of 52 cases of myxomas seen over a 33-year period, 1966 to 1998.

There were 20 males (38%) and 32 females (62%);age range 7 - 80. All the patient's medical records were reviewed. In twenty-five patients in whom echocardiographic features could be reviewed, clinical fetures were compared according to two distinct echocardiographic features;Round and polypoid type.

Eighty-four percents of the presenting symptoms were cardiac origin while systemic embolism (SE) accounted for 15%. Echocardiography was used most often for diagnosis. The myxomas were located in the left atrium in 50 (96%), right atrium in 2 (4%). One patient had multiple myxoma. The incidence of SE was significantly higher in polypoid type than in round type (58% vs 0%, p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed polypoid type was the only independent predictor of SE (p=0.0029). Follow-up duration was ranged from 1 to 266 months. There was no deaths associated with myxoma. One patient presented with a recurrence 3 years after resection, and reoperation was performed uneventfully.

Due to the nonspecific presentation of myxoma, a high index of suspicion is needed. Surgical excision of myxoma can be considered curative with excellent long-term result. However, because of high possible occurrence of SE, a close attention should be given to those patients who have myxoma of polypoid type.