Myxomas are a rare cardiac tumor usually occurring in the left atrium. Echocardiography has proven to be a valuable noninvasive tool in the diagnosis and followup of cardiac myxomas. A complete M-mode and twodimensional study can be performed to demonstrate motion of the tumor within the heart as well as its position and size. Echocardiography can also aid in the differential diagnosis of mitral valve stenosis, thrombi, and valvular vegetations. When left untreated, cardiac myxomas can be fatal; therefore, identification and prompt surgical removal are essential.
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