Queer consequence of cough: atrial myxoma embolization with acute occlusion of the abdominal aorta.

We introduce a rare case of sudden paraplegia preceded by vigorous coughing. This case demonstrates that detachment of a myxoma fragment can possibly be triggered by an abrupt increase in intrathoracic pressure. It is a potential complication that has never been reported in the literature. This case illustrates that clinicians should consider cardiac myxoma in a patient with an embolic event of ambiguous etiology, especially when the event is preceded by a forceful, valsalva maneuver-like action.