Progressive Acute Lower Extremity Ischemia Resulting From Cardiac Myxoma Embolization: A Case Report

Abstract

Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary benign tumors of the heart. The occlusion of peripheral arteries and complete obstruction of the abdominal aorta by a tumor embolus presents with distinct clinical manifestations. Herein, we present the case of a 38-year-old male with acute paresthesia, muscle weakness, erythematous, and violaceous changes in skin color localized to the dorsum of the left forefoot initially treated as cutaneous vasculitis. Further studies revealed the total occlusion of the terminal abdominal aorta by a saddle embolus from a cardiac myxoma. A multidisciplinary team consisting of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons were involved in treating the patient, which resulted in full resolution of the case. This paper details the progression of acute bilateral limb ischemia to chronic limb threatening ischemia resulting from the total occlusion of the terminal abdominal aorta by a saddle embolus.