Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a comprehensive analysis of 725 cases

Uncommon Location of a Papillary Fbroelastoma: Case Report

An elderly man, with a history of diabetes and hypertension presented to our hospital complaining of attack of syncope and palpitations. Echocardiogram revealed the presence of a pedunculated mass attached to the interventricular septum. Sternotomy was performed and ascending aorta was opened transversely, aortic valve leafets were retracted, and a tumour was resected. The postoperative course was uneventful; the patient was discharged after 1 week from the operation. This case demonstrates atypical location for fibroelastoma on the interventricular septum, thus underpinning the need for proper assessment of all patients with a history of systemic embolization to rule out any unusual intracardiac causes.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Evaluation of Cardiac Masses in Patients with Suspicion of Cardiac Masses on Echo or Computed Tomography

Objectives:

In recent years, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged as an important tool in the identification and characterization of cardiac masses. No imaging data on cardiac masses are available from Pakistan. We aimed to review the clinical presentation, CMR findings, and outcome of patients referred for CMR due to suspicion of cardiac masses on echocardiogram or computed tomography (CT).

Material and Methods:

We reviewed all the patients referred for CMR at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2011 to March 2020, with the suspicion of cardiac mass on echocardiogram and/or CT. Only those with the confirmed diagnosis of cardiac mass on CMR were included in the study.

Results:

A total of 27 patients were referred for CMR from January 2011 to March 2020, with the suspicion of cardiac mass on echocardiogram and/or CT. Four patients were excluded as no cardiac mass was found on CMR. Out of 23 cases, majority (n = 15, 65%) were female, age ranging from 3 months to 70 years, with a mean age of 40 ± 22 years. Shortness of breath was the main presenting symptom (n = 19, 83%). Echocardiogram was the initial imaging modality done in all the patients while CT was also performed in 6 patients (26%). Out of 23 patients, 4 (17%) were diagnosed to have thrombus on CMR. In two cases, it was in the left ventricle with evidence of myocardial infarction on late gadolinium images. Myxoma was the most common tumor diagnosed on CMR in 6 patients (26%) followed by rhabdomyoma (n = 3, 13%) and fibroma (n = 2, 8.7%). There were three malignant primary tumors of the heart based on CMR appearances and one with tumor thrombus extension of hepatocellular carcinoma in the right atrium from inferior vena cava. Two patients were diagnosed to have non-neoplastic lesions – one with large intracardiac hydatid cyst and one with possible large fungal vegetation. Among 23 patients, 9 patients (39%) underwent surgery, 5 with myxoma, 2 with rhabdomyoma, 1 with fibroma, and 1 with fibroelastoma. Findings on surgery and histopathology matched the CMR diagnosis in all the patients except the one with the CMR diagnosis of myxoma in which histopathology was consistent with thrombus.

Conclusion:

CMR can play an important role in confirming the presence or absence of a mass in the heart. It can also provide differentiation of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions and among different types of neoplastic lesions with reasonable accuracy. However, the limitations of CMR must be recognized.

Coronary embolization from aortic valve fibroelastoma

Papillary fibroelastomas have a range of clinical presentations. The surgical removal of these tumors should always be considered as best alternative to a conservative approach.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma originating from the coumadin ridge and review of literature

Papillary fibroelastomas represent the second most common benign cardiac tumour, secondary only to cardiac myxoma. A majority of patients are asymptomatic on presentation. The most common clinical manifestations include stroke, transient ischaemic attack, myocardial infarction and angina. Echocardiography remains the primary imaging modality for identification of these tumours. The majority of papillary fibroelastomas arise from the valves. Simple surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, carrying an excellent prognosis. We present an unusual case of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma originating from the coumadin ridge (CR) in a 70-year-old woman. The patient exhibited increasing paroxysms of her atrial fibrillation and was pursuing a MAZE procedure. Preoperatively, a transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a 0.7×1 cm intracardiac mass that had echocardiographic appearance of a fibroelastoma. Surgical resection and MAZE procedures were performed. The gross specimen and histopathology findings were consistent with papillary fibroelastoma. This case reports the seventh documented case of fibroelastoma originating from the CR.

A rare case of a pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma

CASE

A 67-year-old female presented with an exceedingly rare cardiac neoplasm - papillary fibroelastoma. This is made rarer still as it occurred on the pulmonary valve. The patient complained of a prolonged history of chest discomfort. Magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography revealed a pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma. Surgical excision proved curative and the patient remains asymptomatic to date.

DISCUSSION

The literature surrounding papillary fibroelastomas is discussed. Primary cardiac tumours are uncommon. Papillary fibroelastomas occurring the right side of the heart comprise less than 0.05% of these. They have a characteristic macroscopic appearance which allow them to be easily identified with echocardiography and at surgical excision. They can present in a variety of ways including classical cardiac symptoms, embolic complications or as an incidental finding. Surgical excision is the definitive treatment.

[Autopsy case of cerebral embolism with lung cancer and atrial fibrillation in which the left atrium may have become an incubator for a tumor embolus]

An 82-year-old man with advanced lung cancer who had declined aggressive therapy was transferred to our hospital due to sudden-onset consciousness disturbance, global aphasia, and right hemiplegia. An electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation, and brain MRI and MRA revealed acute ischemic lesions of the left hemisphere and occlusion of the left internal carotid artery (ICA), respectively. We diagnosed acute ischemic stroke due to left ICA occlusion and performed endovascular thrombectomy, which resulted in complete recanalization of the left ICA after retrieval of the culprit embolus. Pathological examination of the retrieved thrombus revealed the presence of tumor tissue, as well as fibrin or red blood cells. Treatment was continued after admission, but the patient died of respiratory failure on day 40 of hospitalization. Autopsy revealed invasion of the tumor in the pulmonary vein, but not in the wall of the left atrium where thrombi were present. However, pathological examination of these thrombi in the left atrium revealed tumor tissue, along with fibrin or red blood cells. These findings suggest that the wall of the left atrium, in which lung cancer had not invaded, may be an incubator of a mixed embolus containing tumor tissue and thrombi in a case of cerebral embolism associated with both lung cancer and atrial fibrillation.

Early surgical intervention for unusually located cardiac fibroelastomas

Papillary fibroelastomas are the second most common primary cardiac tumor in adults. Over 80% of fibroelastomas occur on the cardiac valves, usually on the left side of the heart, while the remaining lesions are typically scattered throughout the atria and ventricles. Although the optimal timing for surgery is controversial and depends on tumor size and location, prompt surgical resection is warranted in patients at high risk of embolism. A tumor on the cardiac valve can be removed using the slicing excision technique without leaflet injury. Here we present two cases of papillary fibroelastomas occurring on the ventricular surface of the aortic valve and in the right ventricle.

Double valve involvement: papillary fibroelastoma in a patient with severe mitral and aortic valve regurgitation

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a benign neoplasm that arises in the endocardium. It commonly presents as an incidental finding on transthoracic echocardiography or as emboli to the coronary, cerebral or pulmonary vasculature. Clinical manifestations described in the literature have generally been related to a sequelae of the associated embolic phenomenon of these lesions. Valve regurgitation is less common with papillary fibroelastoma and when found, it is not known to cause severe regurgitation requiring valve replacement. We report a case of papillary fibroelastoma in a patient with severe mitral and aortic valve regurgitation in association with mobile masses requiring double valve replacement. This patient managed initially as infective endocarditis with severe double valve regurgitation, was found to have valvular masses concernng for papillary fibroelastoma and subsequently confirmed on pathology.

Masses in right side of the heart: spectrum of imaging findings

Primary heart tumors are rare, benign tumors represent the majority of these. If a cardiac mass is found, the probability that it is a metastasis or a so-called “pseudo-mass” is extremely higher than a primary tumor. The detection of a heart mass during a transthoracic echocardiography (TE) is often unexpected. The TE assessment can be difficult, particularly if the mass is located at the level of the right chambers. Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) can be useful in anatomical evaluation and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) for masses characterization as well. We provide an overview of right cardiac masses and their imaging futures. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Cardiac Imaging After Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiac imaging after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is used to identify potential sources of cardioembolism, to classify stroke etiology leading to changes in secondary stroke prevention, and to detect frequent comorbidities. This article summarizes the latest research on this topic and provides an approach to clinical practice to use cardiac imaging after stroke.

RECENT FINDINGS

Echocardiography remains the primary imaging method for cardiac work-up after stroke. Recent echocardiography studies further demonstrated promising results regarding the prediction of non-permanent atrial fibrillation after ischemic stroke. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography have been tested for their diagnostic value, in particular in patients with cryptogenic stroke, and can be considered as second line methods, providing complementary information in selected stroke patients. Cardiac imaging after ischemic stroke or TIA reveals a potential causal condition in a subset of patients. Whether systematic application of cardiac imaging improves outcome after stroke remains to be established.

Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Right Ventricle in the Setting of Multifocal Pulmonary Hemorrhages and Pulmonary Embolization in a 39-Year-Old Man: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 39-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Papillary fibroelastoma

Symptoms: Chest pain • fever • hemoptysis • weight loss

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Cardiac Surgery • Cardiology • Critical Care

Medicine • Pulmonology

Mobile Mitral and Aortic Valvular Masses in Patients With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Receiving Intravenous Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is now an emerging treatment option for severe hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia–related bleeding including epistaxis and gastrointestinal tract bleeding. The impact of long-term intravenous bevacizumab therapy on cardiac structure and function is unknown. We describe 3 patients receiving intravenous bevacizumab therapy for severe hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia–related bleeding who were found to have abnormal mobile masses on the mitral valve (n=2) and aortic valve (n=1). The clinical impact of these findings is unknown and requires further study.

Cardiac Tumors

Cardiac tumors (CTs) are extremely rare, with an incidence of approximately 0.02% in autopsy series. Primary tumors of the heart are far less common than metastatic tumors. CTs usually present with any possible clinical combination of heart failure, arrhythmias, or embolism. Echocardiography remains the first diagnostic approach when suspecting a CT which, on the other side, frequently appears unexpectedly during an echocardiographic examination. Yet, cardiac tomography and especially magnetic resonance imaging may offer several adjunctive opportunities in the diagnosis of CTs. Early and exact diagnosis is crucial for the following therapy and outcome of CTs.

[Papillary fibroelastoma in the cardiologist's practice]

The article presents a clinical case of diagnosis and treatment of a rare disease, multiple papillary fibroelastoma associated with a relapse and a complication in the form of cardioembolic stroke. The authors stressed difficulties in diagnostics of this disease and a special role of the physician-patient interaction.

Left Ventricular Papillary Fibroelastoma Presenting with Dyspnea on Exertion

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A patient presented with reduced effort tolerance and abnormal stress test.

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He was subsequently found to have a left ventricular mass.

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Multimodal imaging was utilized; however, diagnostic certainty remained limited.

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Cardiac surgery was pursued, wherein a single left ventricular mass was resected.

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Biopsy was consistent with cardiac papillary fibroelastoma.

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On follow-up, the patient reported a return to prior functioning.

The Right Anterior Thoracotomy Approach to Resect a Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Aortic Valve

A cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPFE) is reported to be the second most common cardiac neoplasm after myxoma cordis. CPFEs are histologically benign, frequently asymptomatic, but highly thrombogenic, which could lead to systemic and peripheral embolization. We present a case of a 68-year-old-patient, with a history of angioosteohypertrophy syndrome, who presented at our emergency department (ED) with symptoms of transient ischemic attacks. A thorough investigation, including echocardiography, revealed a neoplasm on the left coronary cusp (LCC) of the aortic valve. The neoplasm was resected via a valve-sparing shave via the right anterior thoracotomy (RAT). The pathological assessment confirmed it to be CPFE. CPFE is a rare but treatable cause of thromboembolism. The removal of CPFEs has classically been performed through a full median sternotomy. We like to present the first case of a valve-sparing removal of a CPFE on the aortic valve through a RAT approach.

Unusual place… unusual number

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign cardiac tumor. It often arises from the valvular endocardium and is usually solitary. Nonvalvular location is rare and even more rare is the presentation as multiple masses. A 71-year-old female patient was referred for echocardiographic evaluation due to progressive fatigue. The presence of multiple left atrial masses was observed on echocardiographic evaluation. The patient was treated surgically for the prevention of embolic complications, and the histologic diagnosis of multiple nonvalvular papillary fibroelastoma was made. This case highlights the need to consider this unusual location and presentation for this type of tumor.

Video-assisted minimally invasive resection of papillary fibroelastoma

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare cause of embolic events, especially seen in young patients. A 38-year-old woman with a transient ischemic attack underwent cardiac diagnostic workup. Transesophageal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging identified a tumor on the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve as the only potential source of embolization. Video-assisted minimally invasive resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the mitral valve were performed. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed no residual tumor or mitral valve insufficiency. Histology identified a papillary fibroelastoma. The patient was discharged on the 9th postoperative day in good physical condition and without any postoperative limitations.

Subaortic Membrane Papillary Fibroelastoma

A 61-year-old male presented for an annual exam and received a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) which revealed a mobile mass arising from a subaortic membrane. Further investigations with a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and cardiac computerized tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed the presence of a mobile 9 mm × 3 mm mass on a subaortic membrane. Cardiothoracic surgery was performed with an open operation removing the mass and subaortic membrane. Upon visual inspection, the mass was likened to a sea anemone and immunohistochemical staining performed pathologically confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma. This case represents the first reported example of a cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) arising from a subaortic membrane. Although PFEs are benign cardiac tumors, proper identification and consideration for excision of these lesions may be indicated to prevent thromboembolic complications.

Papillary fibroelastoma entangled with tendinous chords: gap between echocardiographic and operative findings

This papillary fibroelastoma case showed the imaging gap between echocardiography and operative findings. Use of 4K endoscopy enabled us to visualize the details of the tumor and to excise it safely.

Aortic Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma: A Sea Anemone in the Heart, A Case Report

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are benign primary cardiac tumors usually arising from the normal components of the endocardium. Grossly they have a characteristic short pedicle and multiple papillary fronds similar to sea anemone. Clinically they have varying presentations ranging from asymptomatic to severe ischemic or embolic complications. We hereby present a case of a middle-aged man who presented with exertional dyspnea and palpitations and was discovered to have papillary fibroelastoma involving the aortic valve. The described case illustrates some of the presenting features, the workup and some of the management modalities that need to be implicated in cases of papillary fibroelastomas.

An unusual cause of lacunar infarcts: Lambl's excrescences on aortic valve shown in detail by 3D transesophageal echocardiography

Lambl’s excrescences (LE) are rare cardiac structures. They are associated with catastrophic thromboembolic and coronary events. Despite resulting in such important events, 2D echocardiographic imaging modalities may overlook LE owing to very thin cardiac structures. So, 3D echocardiographic imaging modalities may fully offer this cardiac mass and provide us to more accurately guess the complication rate related to LE due to the fact that 3D echocardiographic imaging techniques have higher spatial resolution and are not based on the geometric assumption. Indeed, another benefit of 3D echocardiographic imaging modalities in this population is that these imaging modalities clearly provide the relationship to adjacent structures of LE and its movement over a cardiac cycle in 3D space. In our case report, we aim to present the usefulness of 3D echocardiography as a modality to clearly offer all features of LE, furthermore to give valuable information about management in patients with thromboembolic events leading to LE.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma arising from the opening of the left inferior pulmonary vein in left atrium: A rare case report

RATIONALE

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a small, benign endocardial tumor, while it is clinically important because of its strategic position and propensity for causing embolic events and hemodynamic complications.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 59-year-old female presented our hospital for investigation and treatment of a sudden onset of syncope lasted about 2 minutes.

DIAGNOSES

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma arising from left inferior pulmonary vein in left atrium.

INTERVENTIONS

The tumor was successfully removed by cardiac surgery.

OUTCOMES

The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged 10 days after surgery. The patient remained free of neurologic deficits and had no evidence of residual or recurrence of tumor with echocardiography during 1 year of follow-up.

LESSONS

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a benign tumor, with increased risk of thromboembolic events. It is often diagnosed in patients with echocardiography by chance or after a neurologic event. Complete surgical resection should be considered when the patient is indicated and the long-term postoperative prognosis is excellent.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas: A 10-year single-center surgical experience and long-term echocardiographic follow-up study

AIMS

Limited contemporary data are available on the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after surgery for cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF). The aim of this study was to review the clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, surgical management, and prognoses of patients with histologically verified CPF, who underwent surgery at our cardiac surgery center from 2008 to 2018.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twelve patients of median age 62 years (28 to 77 years) were treated. Embolic stroke or transient ischemic attack (five patients, 42%) were the only CPF clinical manifestations. Eleven (92%) tumors were localized on the valves, with the aortic valve being the most common tumor site (seven patients; 58%). Multiple factor analysis revealed no independent predictor of CPF-related embolization. Simple shave tumor excision was sufficient in most patients (10 patients, 83%). No operative or tumor-related late mortality during the median follow-up period of 4.7 years (1.1 to 10.2 years) was recorded. Asymptomatic metachronous valve tumor recurrence (in a location different from that of the original tumor) was revealed in two patients (17%) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), not detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). One of these two patients underwent repeated surgery for CPF but later suffered a recurrent embolic stroke, due to another tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSION

CPF can be safely and effectively treated surgically. TEE is superior to the TTE option in CPF post-operative recurrence detection. There is a clear need for a prospective study to determine criteria for embolization risk stratification and optimum management in patients with CPF.

Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Fibroelastoma Resection

Pulmonary fibroelastomas are a rare primary cardiac tumor with less than 50 cases reported in the literature to date. We performed a minimally invasive valve-sparing tumor resection through a left anterior mini-incision (LAMI). The procedure was performed without cardiac arrest or aortic cross clamp, expediting postoperative recovery and allowing for an uncomplicated discharge on postoperative day 5. LAMI is a safe and reliable alternative to median sternotomy for patients requiring interventions on the right ventricular outflow tract and main pulmonary artery, including pulmonary fibroelastoma resection and pulmonary valve replacement when needed.

Incidental finding of an asymptomatic pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma: A case report

Primary cardiac tumors are rare, but papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is reportedly the most common form, which usually occurs on the left-side valves of the heart. However, PFE involving the tricuspid and pulmonary valves has also been documented. Although PFE is benign and seldom associated with valvular dysfunction, the associated embolic complications may lead to serious consequences. Most patients with PFE lack specific clinical symptoms and the diagnosis is incidental. Surgical resection is the mainstay treatment for PFE in order to prevent the occurrence of embolic complications. In this report, we present a case of a rare asymptomatic PFE of the pulmonary valve, which was incidentally noted during a routine examination with transthoracic echocardiography (TEE). There was neither valvular dysfunction nor hemodynamic change. The PFE was surgically removed, and the diagnosis was further confirmed with histopathology.

Giant Tricuspid Valve Fibroelastoma Incidentally Diagnosed During Routine Stress Testing

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are the most common valvular tumor, typically occurring on left-sided valves. We describe the evaluation and treatment of a giant tricuspid PFE in a healthy 43-year-old police officer who was referred for evaluation of frequent premature ventricular contractions during job-related treadmill stress testing. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Cardiac imaging after ischemic stroke : Echocardiography, CT, or MRI?

About 20–25% of all ischemic strokes are of cardioembolic etiology, with atrial fibrillation and heart failure as the most common underlying pathologies. Diagnostic work-up by noninvasive cardiac imaging is essential since it may lead to changes in therapy, e.g., in—but not exclusively—secondary stroke prevention. Echocardiography remains the cornerstone of cardiac imaging after ischemic stroke, with the combination of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography as gold standard thanks to their high sensitivity for many common pathologies. Transesophageal echocardiography should be considered as the initial diagnostic tool when a cardioembolic source of stroke is suspected. However, to date, there is no proven benefit of transesophageal echocardiography-related therapy changes on the main outcomes after ischemic stroke. Based on the currently available data, cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging should be regarded as complementary methods to echocardiography, providing additional information in specific situations; however, they cannot be recommended as first-line modalities.

Multimodality Imaging in the Evaluation of Intracardiac Masses

Intracardiac masses are classified as neoplastic or non-neoplastic. Prognosis varies based on the diagnosis of the mass since treatment options differ greatly. As novel imaging techniques emerge, a multimodality approach to the evaluation of intracardiac masses becomes an important part of non-invasive evaluation prior to potential surgical planning or oncological treatment. The purpose of this article is to compare the available imaging modalities-echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, cardiac computed tomography, nuclear imaging, and emerging novel hybrid imaging techniques for future clinical applications-and to review the characteristic features seen on those modalities for the most common intracardiac masses.

Echocardiographic and radiological evaluation of an unusual aortic root mass in an asymptomatic patient: a case report

Background

Incidental echocardiographic findings in the asymptomatic patient can present a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. This case report demonstrates that both natural occurring and iatrogenic causes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of isolated aortic root masses.

Case Summary

A patient presenting for a routine transthoracic echocardiogram to evaluate worsening breathlessness on exertion is found to have an unexpected aortic root mass. Due to the unusual appearances of the aortic root mass, it is further evaluated with additional imaging modalities, including transoesophageal echocardiogram and computed tomography coronary angiography. The mass is fully characterized following the computed tomography coronary angiography as a right coronary artery stent, from a previous coronary angioplasty, protruding into the lumen of the aortic root. No further investigation or intervention is required.

Discussion

A wide differential diagnosis of focal aortic root masses is presented. The non-invasive characterization of such masses can present a challenge. This case demonstrates the value of a multimodality imaging approach, including transthoracic, transoesophageal echocardiography, and computed tomography coronary angiography, in the evaluation of such masses.

Symptomatic Aortic Valve Mass - Cardiac Work-Up Challenges and Role of Computed Tomography Angiography: A Case Report

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma are rare, benign cardiac tumors that may lead to lethal complications from embolization or valvular dysfunction if left untreated. When working up symptomatic tumors with concomitant angina, traditional diagnostic studies such as cardiac catheterization may predispose the patient to embolic complications if the mass is located in the path of the catheter. Newer, non-invasive diagnostic testing, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or dynamic computed tomography angiography, may be considered in lieu of invasive approaches to avoid potentially devastating complications. We herein present a case report of a 77-year-old female with a symptomatic aortic valve tumor and describe our diagnostic strategy and management.

Fibroelastoma in an unusual location: a rare cause of multiple cerebrovascular events

Fibroelastomas are rare, primary cardiac tumours with a predilection for valvular endothelium and a propensity to embolise. We present the case of a 72-year-old male with multiple cerebrovascular events (CVA) despite oral anticoagulation. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) revealed a small highly mobile left atrial mass with frond-like projections attached by a stalk to the orifice of the LAA. The mass was surgically excised and confirmed to be a fibroelastoma on histological examination. This case report describes a rare but treatable source of multiple cerebrovascular events and highlights the utility of TOE in the assessment of cardiac embolic source.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma of a bicuspid aortic valve in an adolescent: A case report

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas (CPFE) are exceptional primary benign cardiac tumours affecting the heart valves. We report here the case of a 15-year-old boy in whom echocardiography performed for non-specific chest pain during follow-up for bicuspid aortic valve showed as accidental finding the presence of a round mobile mass without stalk attached on the inferior side of the aortic valve. The mass did not cause any outflow tract obstruction or aortic insufficiency. Electrocardiogram-gated cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging allowed to suspect CPFE. Although the patient was asymptomatic, open cardiac surgery with elective surgical resection of the tumour was performed to avoid systematic emboli. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of CPFE. This is an exceptional case of acquired CPFE in a young patient with bicuspid aortic valve. Due to the risk of systemic embolization, aortic or coronary ostium obstruction, elective excision of such lesions is recommended.

Papillary fibroelastoma in the left atrium

Described herein is a 71-year-old woman with previous angina pectoris who suddenly developed slurred speech and right-arm weakness. She was found to have significant coronary narrowing, a small mass in the left atrium attached to the endocardium near the orifice of the appendage, and multifocal punctate cerebral lesions in the distribution of the left middle cerebral artery. The left atrial mass was excised and confirmed to be a papillary fibroelastoma. Coronary bypass was also performed. It is believed that fibrin thrombus developed within the fronds of the fibroelastoma and embolized to the brain. Such lesions in the left atrium are exceedingly uncommon. She had no further emboli events.

Syncope in a female patient. Echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography reveal an unexpected diagnosis

Papillary fibroelastoma is a benign cardiac tumor with a high potential of embolization. Coronary computed tomography is a valuable tool for the work-up of patients with papillary fibroelastoma, providing accurate information regarding the coronary circulation and morphology of the cardiac mass.

Cerebral Embolism due to a Large Papillary Fibroelastoma arising from the Coumadin Ridge

A 70-year-old woman developed acute cerebral infarction. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a large mobile mass in the left atrium, suggesting cardiac myxoma as the most likely diagnosis. Surgical exploration revealed a papillary fibroelastoma originating from the coumadin ridge, which is fairly rare but important as a source of cerebral embolization.

An atypical cause of myocardial infarction: case report of an obstructing papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve

BACKGROUND

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare primary cardiac tumours with a prevalence of 0.01% at autopsy. They are histologically benign tumours but have been demonstrated through case series to confer an increased risk of thrombo-embolism resulting in: transient ischaemic attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary and systemic embolization.

CASE SUMMARY

A 54-year-old woman presented with central chest pain radiating to her left arm. At presentation there was a significant troponin rise; initial high-sensitivity troponin-I (hsTn-I) 660 pg/mL increased to 3340 pg/mL at 6 h. Coronary angiogram did not reveal any obstructing coronary artery disease. Echocardiography revealed a rounded, mobile mass on the left coronary cusp of the aortic valve suspicious for papillary fibroelastoma. The patient underwent shave excision of the lesion. Intra-operatively it was noted that the mass intermittently sat within the ostium of the left main resulting in its occlusion. Histology confirmed a papillary fibroelastoma.

DISCUSSION

Primary cardiac tumours are rare but can cause life-threatening complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest. In the literature, the mechanism of these complications is mainly attributed to thrombo-embolism. This case demonstrates the utility of echocardiogram in investigating and diagnosing a rare cause of myocardial infarction and highlights an unusual mechanism, that is tumour causing obstruction of the coronary ostium.

A Case of Fibroelastoma with Widespread Embolism to the Brain, Kidney, and Spleen

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is the second most common primary cardiac tumor, which is diagnosed incidentally or with embolic phenomena, mostly in the form of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke. We present a case of a 58-year-old female who presented with fatigue and low-grade fever and was found to have multiple systemic infarcts. Her blood cultures and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were negative, ruling out infective endocarditis. However, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a mobile mass at the aortic valve. The mass was surgically removed, and the aortic valve was repaired. The histological examination of the mass finally revealed a papillary fibroelastoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case where fibroelastoma presented with splenic and renal infarcts in combination with the cerebral infarcts. Since cardiac fibroelastoma can cause embolization to the cerebral, splenic, and renal vessels, we, therefore, advocate that it should be considered as one of the possible causes of widespread embolism. We also stress upon the importance of doing TEE in case of a suspected cardiac mass, as the TTE is more likely to give false-negative results.

Multiple papillary fibroelastomas attached to left ventricular side and aortic side of the aortic valve: A report of new case and literature review

The aortic valve (AV) is the most commonly affected site in multiple papillary fibroelastomas, but the frequency of embolism caused by the attachment side of the AV has not been elucidated. According to the review of the previous literature, 16 cases have been found attached to the AV. Of these, 6 of these have been found to be attached on the aortic side and 4 on the left ventricular side, 1 was bilateral, and 5 cases were unknown. Of the cases found on the aortic side, embolism occurred in 3 of them, and of the left ventricular side cases, embolism occurred in 2 of them. The frequency of embolism is equivalent even if papillary fibroelastoma attached to either side of the AV.

Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Ascending Aorta

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare benign primary cardiac tumors. They are typically found on valvular surfaces, most commonly, the aortic valve. In this article, we report a case of papillary fibroelastoma arising from the sinotubular junction of the ascending aorta, a rare and unusual site causing an embolic stroke.

Cardiac Excrescences of Unusual Origin

Mesothelial/monocytic incidental cardiac excrescences (cardiac MICE) are a rare finding that are most often discovered incidentally either upon echocardiography or invasive cardiovascular procedures. In total, less than 50 known cases have been reported since first being discovered over 30 years ago. They are typically benign lesions; however, there has been a reported case of cardiac MICE being responsible for severe cardiopulmonary compromise and another case of the lesion embolizing leading to cerebral infarctions and ultimately death. Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are also uncommon lesions found in the heart though they are not as rare as cardiac MICE. They are also benign and are typically attached to valvular surfaces; however, they also can be found as mobile masses. Just as cardiac MICE, they are capable of causing turbulent flow and thrombus formation and have been reported as the cause of ischemic events due to their ability to embolize. We present a case of cardiac MICE and cardiac papillary fibroelastoma in an individual who initially presented with neurologic symptoms concerning for a cerebrovascular accident. The patient was found to have a left ventricular mass composed of both cardiac MICE and cardiac papillary fibroelastomas.