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Intracardiac Myxoma, Cerebral Aneurysms and Elevated Interleukin-6

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Cerebral aneurysms are well known to be associated with cardiac myxomas. The mechanism of cerebral aneurysm formation remains to be elucidated. Embolization of tumor particles in the vessel wall has been proposed as the likely mechanism for aneurysm formation. Recent reports suggest interleukin-6 (IL-6) may play a role as well. We describe a patient who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to ruptured right middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm and unruptured left MCA aneurysm. Subsequently, the patient was found to have an atrial myxoma and persistently elevated serum IL-6 levels. Transcranial Doppler monitoring showed multiple emboli in the right MCA vascular territory on day 1 after surgery but no recurrent embolization during the next 2 weeks on repeated tests. Elevated IL-6 levels were noted both on day 1 and on day 30. Our findings provide evidence that IL-6 elevation and not tumor embolization is likely the culprit for aneurysm formation in some patients with atrial myxoma.

Source: Case Reports in Neurology

DOI: 10.1159/000437256

Authors: Nnadozie Ezerioha, Wuwei Feng

Institution: Medical University of South Carolina

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac tumors and thrombi

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,030