No Visible Symptoms: How A Silent Heart Tumour Triggered A Brain Stroke In A Teenager
No Visible Symptoms: How A Silent Heart Tumour Triggered A Brain Stroke In A Teenager Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 02, 2026, 11:22
No Visible Symptoms: How A Silent Heart Tumour Triggered A Brain Stroke In A Teenager Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 02, 2026, 11:22 IST A cardiac myxoma lodged near the mitral valve released a blood clot to the brain - and changed everything about how doctors read the case. Rapid Read The growth, identified as a left atrial myxoma, had been silently releasing tiny fragments into the bloodstream. (AI generated image) At 18, stroke was the last thing Rehan (name changed) expected. He had no history of heart disease, no chronic illness, and none of the usual risk factors associated with neurological emergencies. But when sudden weakness gripped his right side and speech became difficult, the family rushed him to a Kolkata hospital. Brain imaging initially revealed what appeared to be a straightforward case: a blockage in the left middle cerebral artery territory, the kind of acute stroke that can leave patients paralysed or unable to speak without swift intervention. But something about the presentation did not fully fit the pattern, prompting doctors to look deeper. What they discovered was hidden not in the brain, but in the heart itself – a large tumour measuring nearly 6 cm, lodged in the left atrium close to the mitral valve. The growth, identified as a left atrial myxoma, had been silently releasing tiny fragments into the bloodstream. One of those fragments had travelled to the brain, blocking blood flow and triggering the stroke.
“A myxoma this close to the mitral valve leaves very little room for error. The tumour was soft, friable, and had to be removed entirely in one attempt – any fragmentation during surgery risks sending emboli into the circulation," said Dr Atanu Saha, senior consultant, cardiac surgery at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur-Kolkata. Saha’s team treated Rehan, navigating a five-hour surgery that required high level precision. The teenager underwent neuro-rehabilitation after the procedure and gradually recovered movement and speech before being discharged nearly two weeks later. “My son has always wanted to become a doctor. And I guess this experience has only brought him closer to his dream," the father of the 18-year-old boy told News18 requesting anonymity. Rehan will be taking his board exams next year. “He has been doing better now. Good to see him going back to his normal life. He is our only son…you can understand what it means for a parent to see their son go through this…he has been fairly healthy otherwise, but this sudden situation really shook us." What happened to him? Cardiac myxomas are non-cancerous tumours of the heart, but the term “benign" can be deceptive. Though they do not spread like cancer, they can become life-threatening because of where they develop and how they behave. Fragments from the tumour can break away and travel through the bloodstream, potentially blocking blood vessels in the brain, lungs or other organs. According to medical literature, cardiac myxomas account for nearly half of all primary benign heart tumours, with an estimated global annual incidence of around 0.5 to one case per million people.
Nearly 85 per cent of these tumours occur in the left atrium – the same chamber involved in Rehan’s case. In India, there is no dedicated national registry tracking cardiac tumours, though hospital-based surgical studies and case reports consistently describe myxomas as uncommon but among the most frequently encountered primary heart tumours in cardiac surgery units. Most patients are diagnosed between the fourth and sixth decades of life, making adolescent cases particularly unusual. In Rehan’s case, the absence of warning signs made diagnosis especially challenging. There had been no chest pain, breathlessness or other classic symptoms associated with heart disease. The first obvious sign of trouble was the stroke itself. “Cardiac myxomas account for nearly 50 per cent of all primary benign cardiac tumours, yet surgical outcomes depend entirely on how early and how carefully the case is managed. Cases like this demand not just speed, but exceptional precision," said Dr Saha. Advanced imaging proved critical in tracing the source of the clot back to the heart. Once the tumour was identified, surgery became urgent because of the risk of another embolic event. “Awareness is key not just among patients, but also in early clinical suspicion," noted R Venkatesh, Group COO, Narayana Health. “Timely imaging, a team-based approach, and prompt surgery helped ensure a good recovery in this case. Recognising these signs early can prevent serious complications." What does this case highlight? The case highlights a broader shift in stroke epidemiology. Traditionally considered a disease associated with ageing, stroke is now being reported more often in younger adults, driven by factors ranging from lifestyle disorders and congenital conditions to undiagnosed heart abnormalities.
However, cases linked to cardiac tumours remain distinctly unusual and often difficult to identify in early stages. “The case highlights why stroke symptoms in younger patients should not be dismissed or automatically attributed to temporary neurological conditions. While cardiac tumours such as myxomas are rare, early imaging and thorough evaluation can help identify hidden causes before they lead to repeated strokes or permanent damage," said Dr Saha. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Himani Chandna Copy Editor Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com. Having headed the Business and Viral sections, Pragati now ideates, writes and edits long-form features and articles on national and global affairs. She ensures... Read More First Published: June 02, 2026, 11:22 IST News india No Visible Symptoms: How A Silent Heart Tumour Triggered A Brain Stroke In A Teenager Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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