Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Cureus
Abstract
Atrial myxoma, though the most common primary cardiac tumor, often presents with nonspecific symptoms that can obscure its diagnosis. This case report details an unusual presentation of dyspnea on exertion (DOE) in a patient initially considered to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common pulmonary etiology of DOE. The diagnostic journey underscores the critical importance of considering atrial myxoma in patients with DOE, especially when symptoms are not fully explained by apparent pulmonary conditions. Our findings highlight the necessity of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including the early use of resting transthoracic echocardiogram, to unveil less common causes like atrial myxoma. This case reinforces the pivotal role of considering alternative diagnoses in complex presentations of DOE, thereby guiding more accurate and tailored patient management.
DOI
10.7759/cureus.55974
Publication Date
3-11-2024
Keywords
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dyspnea on exertion, exertional dyspnea, COPD, atrial myxoma
ISSN
2168-8184
Recommended Citation
Mahmoud A, Tarhuni M, Beilani T, Ismail-Sayed IM, Pelidis M. Atrial Myxoma in a Patient With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Unmasking Overlapping Symptomatology. Cureus. 2024; 16(3). doi: 10.7759/cureus.55974.
