[Myxoma of the left atrium (author's transl)].

Clinical picture, course and routine cardiological diagnostic methods may give important clues indicating the presence of myxoma of the left atrium, but a definite diagnosis can only be made using echocardiography or cineangiography. The former is free of risk and thus should always precede the latter. Three patients were observed with a stalked myxoma of the left atrium which could be demonstrated echocardiographically. Every proven myxoma should be operated on as soon as possible as otherwise sudden unexpected complications leading to death may occur. In patients with changing cardiological signs and changing clinical symptoms this tumour should be excluded promptly by echocardiography. Necropsy statistics do not accurately reflect the incidence.