Myxomatous degeneration weakens connective tissue by accumulating mucus and is usually associated with myxomas, gel-like tumors found in the heart. Prognosis varies depending on the extent of damage and overall health. Treatment may include surgery or a watch-and-wait approach.
Myxomatous is an adjective that describes a form of connective tissue damage in which the tissue is weakened by an accumulation of mucus. It is usually associated with a myxoma, a type of tumor. The most common place to find myxomatous degeneration is in the valves of the heart, although it can appear throughout the body. The prognosis for a patient with this type of tissue damage varies depending on the extent of the damage and the patient’s general level of health.
Myxomas are simple connective tissue tumors found within the heart, as well as in the valves. The tumor tends to develop a gel-like appearance and texture and is usually filled and surrounded by mucus. The surrounding tissue may become myxomatous as the tumor develops. This weakens the tissue walls and can lead to health problems such as mitral valve prolapse.
It is sometimes possible to identify damage to the heart in a patient with myxomatous degeneration by listening to the heart, as abnormal heart sounds often develop. Medical imaging of the heart can also reveal tissue changes including thickening or thinning of the tissues. These studies may reveal the need for exploratory surgery to learn more about what is happening inside a patient, or they may reveal the development of a growth that needs treatment.
When a cardiologist evaluates a patient with myxomatous degeneration, the patient’s overall health will be taken into consideration. For some patients, this condition is benign. A watch-and-wait approach can be adopted to identify early signs of complications. In other patients, such as people with genetic connective tissue disorders, more aggressive treatment may be needed to address the problem. A heart surgeon can examine the patient and review the records to make some treatment recommendations.
Damage to the connective tissue in the heart can limit the patient’s activities in some cases. People with myxomatous degeneration may have weaker hearts and may be at higher risk for heart problems in the future. Other patients may be able to lead relatively active lives.
When myxomatous tissue changes occur elsewhere in the body, the case will need to be evaluated to decide the best treatment option. Samples may be taken for biopsy to learn more about the damage to the tissue, and the patient may be advised to consider surgery to remove mucus-laden tissue if a doctor feels it poses a risk to the patient’s well-being.
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