Diagnosis and cardiac transplantation of a Carney syndrome-induced cardiac myxoma combined with dilated cardiomyopathy: a case report

Abstract Background Carney syndrome is an uncommon autosomal disorder closely linked to mutations in the PRKAR1A gene. Skin lesions are the most pronounced feature of Carney syndrome, affecting over 80% of individuals with this condition. This syndrome is characterized by a triad of myxomas, skin pigmentation, and endocrine hyperfunction, featuring multiple endocrine neoplasms with skin and cardiac involvement. Dilated cardiomyopathy, a primary cardiomyopathy, is defined as the dilation and impaired systolic function of the left or both ventricles. Its clinical presentation varies from being asymptomatic to heart failure or sudden cardiac death, making it a leading global cause of heart failure. Currently, Dilated cardiomyopathy has an estimated prevalence of 1/2500–1/250 individuals, predominantly affecting those aged 30–40 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. This case report describes a heart failure patient with cardiac myxoma caused by Carney syndrome combined with dilated cardiomyopathy. The patient was successfully treated for heart failure by heart transplantation. Case presentation Herein, we report a case of heart failure due to Carney syndrome that resulted in cardiac myxoma combined with dilated cardiomyopathy. A 35-year-old male was admitted to the hospital three years ago because of sudden chest tightness and shortness of breath. Echocardiography indicated myxoma, and a combination of genetic screening and physical examination confirmed Carney syndrome with cardiac myxoma. Following symptomatic management, he was discharged. Surgical interventions were not considered at the time. However, the patient’s chest tightness and shortness of breath symptoms worsened, and he returned to the hospital. A New York Heart Association grade IV heart function was confirmed, and echocardiography indicated the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy accompanied by cardiac myxoma. Ultimately, the patient’s heart failure was successfully treated with heart transplantation. Conclusions Cardiac myxoma caused by Carney syndrome combined with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy can be resolved by heart transplantation.