What feature is associated with a primary myxoma in the heart?

A primary myxoma in the heart is characterized by a "ball and valve effect," which refers to the mass effect that the tumor exerts on the cardiac structures, especially when it is located in the left atrium. This effect can obstruct blood flow by intermittently blocking the mitral valve during diastole, leading to symptoms such as dyspnea or syncope. The tumor can move with the flow of blood, akin to how a valve functions, and this dynamic behavior is distinctive to myxomas.

This feature is particularly important in clinical presentations, as patients may experience symptoms related to obstruction, and it can also be observed on echocardiography, which often showcases the tumor as a mass that can change position with the heart's contraction. Understanding the ball and valve effect helps clinicians identify and manage this condition appropriately.

In contrast, calcification, erosion of adjacent structures, and massive hemorrhage are not typical features of primary myxomas. While other cardiac tumors may display calcification or adjacent tissue involvement, myxomas primarily lead to obstructive symptoms rather than these complications.