Sex-Related Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Surgical Resection for Left Atrial Myxomas

Abstract

Background: Data on sex-related differences in the presentation and outcomes of left atrial myxoma are limited. This study evaluated sex-related characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing surgical resection for left atrial myxomas, aiming to understand the impact of sex on surgical outcomes and recovery.Methods: A retrospective cohort multicenter study including patients who underwent resection of left atrial myxoma from 2014 to 2023 across five tertiary referral cardiac centers was conducted. Adult patients aged >16 years with confirmed postoperative histopathological diagnoses of myxoma were included.Results: A total of 104 patients (78 females, 26 males) were analyzed. The mean age was comparable between genders (females: 52.55±10.95 years, males: 53.03±8.70 years, P= 0.837). Hypertension was more prevalent in males (26.92% vs. 3.85%, P<0.01). The clinical presentations were not significantly different, and the operative data, including cardiopulmonary bypass and ischemic times, were similar. Hospital mortality was low (2.56% in females, 0% in males), with no significant differences in complications. The median follow-up was 52 months, revealing no differences in survival (P= 0.98) and a recurrence rate of 2.56% in females with no recurrence in males. The ejection fraction significantly increased during follow-up across the cohort, with no difference between sexes.Conclusions: Surgical outcomes for left atrial myxoma resection are comparable between male and female patients. Despite higher complication rates in females, these differences were not statistically significant. The findings suggest that sex may not significantly affect surgical risk or recovery, although healthcare providers should consider individual risk profiles for personalized patient care.