About the Cover
ON THE COVER A 74-year-old woman presented for investigation of a single episode of unprovoked pre-syncope. Subsequent investigations demonstrated a large atrial myxoma characterized by highly unusual vascularity. A transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated that the mass was attached to the interatrial septum and had vascular channels on color flow Doppler (A). Coronary angiography showed that the mass (arrow) derived its vascularity from both the left and right coronary arteries (R>L) (B). The mass was surgically resected and macroscopically it appeared glistening and variegated measuring 45 × 35 mm (C). Hematoxilyn and eosin-stained sections of the mass demonstrated myxoid stroma with ecstatic blood vessels (20× magnification) (D) with clusters of polygonal and spindle- shaped cells consistent with a diagnosis of atrial myxoma. Images provided by Ravinay Bhindi, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FESC, Andy Yong, MBBS, Suchitra Chandar, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, from the Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
[Table of Contents]
Copyright © 2008 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.
