Neoplastic Embolization from Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma with Unusual Presentation: A Case Report

Removal of an infected pulmonary artery fibroelastoma disguised as a presentation of pulmonary embolism using a percutaneous suction thrombectomy device

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a rare, often benign, tumor originating typically in the endocardium and valves, with a preference for the left side of the heart. Although PFEs can appear asymptomatic, in the setting of embolization, they can lead to stroke, acute limb ischemia, and/or mesenteric ischemia. Rarely, PFEs can originate from the pulmonary valve, with the potential for embolic showering into the pulmonary artery, leading to potential right-sided heart outflow obstruction. Treatment has been open surgery in most cases, although treatment of right-sided heart masses with extracorporeal circulatory support extraction systems have been described. Recently, large bore suction thrombectomy devices have become available, typically used for cases of venous thromboembolism. In the present report, we describe a case of a symptomatic infected PFE treated by percutaneous suction thrombectomy using the Inari FlowTriever system (Inari Medical).

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.