Ischaemic pontine stroke as a manifestation of left atrial myxoma

The article presents a case report of an 84-year-old woman admitted to the stroke unit due to sudden visual disturbances, dizziness, and balance disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed foci of ischaemic stroke in the pons, while echocardiography detected a tumour (most likely a myxoma) in the left atrium of the heart. The patient was transferred to the cardiology department, where cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and transoesophageal echocardiography were performed. Additionally, atherosclerosis of the aorta and coronary vessels and heart failure (NYHA I) were diagnosed. The patient was qualified for cardiac surgery, and the tumour was removed using extracorporeal circulation. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac myxoma. The case highlights the importance of extensive diagnostics in determining the aetiology of stroke. Cooperation between neurologists, cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons is crucial for correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment in cases involving the co-occurrence of heart tumours and stroke.