A rare case of familial recurrent left atrial myxomas

A 41-year-old female who had a left atrial myxoma excised was readmitted 21 months later with a recurrence which was also successfully excised. Suspecting a familial trait for atrial myxoma, close questioning of the patient regarding the health of her close relatives revealed that her 21 year daughter had recently become unwell with a cough and shortness of the breath on exertion. Investigations revealed that the daughter also had a left atrial myxoma which was successfully excised. When confronted with a rare recurring atrial myxoma it is essential to consider a familial trait and exclude this condition in close family members.