Multiple cerebral aneurysms as delayed complication of left cardiac myxoma: a case report and review

Acta Neurol Scand. 2005 Jun;111(6):345-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2005.00413.x.

Abstract

Left cardiac myxoma and also consecutive embolization into the brain is well documented, whereas the association of myxomas with multiple fusiform cerebral aneurysms is rare. We analyze 33 previously reported patients and present a case of a 43-year-old woman with multiple cerebral infarctions 2 years after resection of a recurrent myxoma in the left atrium. Cerebral angiography displayed multiple fusiform aneurysms of several cerebral arteries, including a giant aneurysm of the basilar artery. Serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was highly elevated. The clinical, radiological and pathological features of these aneurysms are summarized. The pathogenesis, including the role of IL-6 in the formation of myxomatous aneurysms, is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cerebral Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Arteries / pathology
  • Cerebral Arteries / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / pathology*
  • Heart Neoplasms / blood
  • Heart Neoplasms / complications*
  • Heart Neoplasms / immunology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / blood*
  • Interleukin-6 / immunology
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / pathology
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Myxoma / blood
  • Myxoma / complications*
  • Myxoma / immunology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Interleukin-6