Aortic Valve Myxoma in a Resource-Limited Setting

BACKGROUND: Cardiac myxoma is one of the most common benign cardiac tumors, typically arising in the left atrium. Valvular myxomas are exceedingly rare, with aortic valve involvement being among the rarest. Aortic valvular myxomas often present with embolic events or left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of a 32-year-old man with a 3-month history of recurrent bilateral calf pain, associated with recurrent syncope, palpitations, and fatigue. Echocardiography revealed a large subaortic valve mass obstructing the LVOT. The patient underwent successful resection of the aortic valvular and LVOT mass, aortic annulus, and LVOT enlargement with a pericardial patch, followed by mechanical aortic valve replacement. Histopathology confirmed cardiac myxoma. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the diagnostic and management challenges of valvular myxoma in resource-limited settings and underscores the importance of timely recognition and surgical intervention. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: The collaborative effort of various stakeholders in making life-saving cardiac surgeries accessible to resource-limited settings remains critical.