[Left atrial myxoma].

Left-atrial myxomas produce a broad array of clinical symptoms depending on their location, size, and morphology. The clinical presentation is characterized by obstruction of blood flow, systemic embolism, and unspecific systemic effects. Within 6 weeks, three patients presented in our clinic with left-atrial myxomas. Primary differential diagnoses were infective endocarditis, circulatory collapse, and transient ischemic attack of unknown origin. In all cases diagnosis was made with echocardiography (m-mode, 2D, TEE). In this review the etiology, epidemiology, and pathology are reported briefly. The variety of clinical symptoms with the corresponding differential diagnosis is presented systematically and discussed with our patients. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects are summarized.