10th May 2025

Prognosis and complications

In regards to atrial myxomas, although they are histologically benign patients are at risk of death from obstruction, distal embolisation or arrhythmias. Dislodgement of tumour fragments can be a significant risk during surgery and to reduce this possibility manipulation of the heart is reduced to a minimum, however, survival following resection is excellent. Atrial myxomas may occasionally recur and thus long-term follow-up with echocardiography is recommended.

Cardiac sarcomas have a very poor prognosis, with a mean survival of about 9-11 months from diagnosis, improving to 24 months with complete resection. This is largely related to its association with tumour extension commonly into the epicardium, endocardium or intracavity as well as local spread to the pleural or mediastinum.