This is the post-mortem specimen of a patient who 
suffered from weight loss, fever and shsortness of 
breath.

a. What does the picture show?

b. How can this condition be diagnosed in life?

c. What ocular complication may occur?

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Answers:
This is the post-mortem specimen of a patient who suffered from weight loss, fever and shsortness of breath.

a. What does the picture show?

Left atrial myxoma.
Myxoma is the most common primary tumour of the heart.
It is usually found in the left atrium and is associated with constitutional symptoms mainly dyspnoea, fever and syncope. Physical examination revealed loud first and third heart sound with a mid-diastolic murmur 
which may be indistinguishable from mitral stenosis. 
b. How can this condition be diagnosed in life?
Echocardiogram is the best instrument for diagnosis.
c. What ocular complication may occur?
Ocular signs occur from embolization and include branch and central retinal artery occlusion.
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