Myxoma of the heart presenting with recurrent episodes of hemorrhagic cerebral infarction: MR findings.

A case of surgically proven left atrial myxoma presented with multiple episodes of cerebral infarctions, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, documented on serial CT and magnetic resonance (MR). Magnetic resonance studies showed, as well, dilated blood vessels in the hemorrhagic areas, proven by angiography to represent mycotic aneurysms. One of these lesions was surgically removed and confirmed to represent a combination of hematoma, infarction, myxomatous nodules, and underlying mycotic aneurysms, as shown on MR scans. This case demonstrates a known delayed neurologic complication of cardiac myxoma that can occur long after resection of the tumor.