TTE sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy analysis
Pathohistological samples were obtained from the resected tumors in all
53 surgical procedures performed at our institution. Pathohistological
evaluation confirmed CM in 39 of 53 operated patients (73%) (Figure 1).
The calculated sensitivity and specificity of preoperative
echocardiography were 97% and 50%, respectively. The overall accuracy
of TTE in diagnosing CM was 85% (Figure 2). In 7 patients (13%)
diagnosed as CM on preoperative TTE, pathohistology revealed different
NM cardiac tumors: papillary fibroelastoma in 5 cases, one case of
angioleiomyoma and one malignant melanoma metastasis. Only one patient
preoperatively classified as NM cardiac tumor had CM.
Pathohistologically confirmed NM cardiac tumors were significantly
smaller than CM (24.3±13.2 mm vs 37.9±18.3 mm, p=0.017) (Table II).
There was also a statistically significant difference in tumor location
between the two groups. All NM tumors were located at an atypical
position (seven in the right atrium, five in the left atrium but at an
atypical site and two in the left ventricle) and 72% of CM were found
at the typical location within the left atrium (p<0.001). The
calculated sensitivity and specificity of tumor location in diagnosis of
myxoma was 100% and 56%, respectively. There was no significant
difference in other demographic (age, sex) or echocardiographic
characteristics (mobility, surface, appearance) between groups.