Fourteen cases of left atrial myxoma with emphasis on related histology.

With the availability of diagnostic ultrasonic equipment, there is an increase in the number of diagnosed cases of left atrial myxoma. Fourteen such patients underwent surgical treatment. One major concern was the possible recurrence of the tumor. Histologic examination revealed that the tumor cells did not invade the muscular layer beyond the layer of elastic fiber adjacent to the endocardium, in all cases. We remove the stalk with the Fossa Ovale when the tumor grows on the Fossa Ovale. When the tumor is attached to the muscular septum or free wall, we remove the stalk with the endocardium and a part of the adjacent myocardial layer. The total resection of the muscular septum may not be necessary as far as the myxoma is concerned.