Atrial Myxoma and Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Embolic Stroke Strikes Days Before Surgery

Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors. Their primary location is the left atrium, but they can arise in any cardiac chamber. Although histologically benign, atrial myxomas are functionally malignant due to their high embolic potential, which can lead to severe complications such as ischemic stroke. Left atrial myxoma can mimic mitral stenosis by causing obstruction to the blood flow at the level of the mitral valve. In developing countries, rheumatic mitral valve is the most common cause of mitral stenosis, and the concurrent occurrence of mitral stenosis and rheumatic heart disease is a rarity. We present a case of a 43-year-old man diagnosed with both conditions who developed an ischemic stroke due to tumor embolization two days prior to planned surgical intervention. This case underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and management in patients with concurrent cardiac pathologies.