Intracardiac myxoma is a rare condition. In 75 per cent of cases the tumour arises in the left atrium and the number of possible modes of presentation is considerable. An incorrect clinical diagnosis is often made initially (Table 4). Correct diagnosis is of the greatest importance since operative removal is usually curative. If the diagnosis is delayed or is not made, or if surgery is delayed once the diagnosis has been made, the consequences for the patient can be catastrophic.