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Papillary fibroelastoma in the left ventricular outflow tract
S Uchida1, N Obayashi, H Yamanari
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.
Heart and Vessels
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Papillary fibroelastomas can mimic cardiac myxomas on echocardiography, presenting diagnostic challenges. This case highlights unusual features that can obscure typical tumor characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Papillary fibroelastomas are rare cardiac tumors, typically found on valves.
- Left ventricular endocardial tumors are uncommon, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- An asymptomatic patient presented with a left ventricular outflow tract mass.
- Echocardiography revealed a smooth-surfaced, dense echo mass with a central radiolucent area.
- Pathology showed a papillary fibroelastoma with a gelatinous surface masking papillae.
Findings:
- The echocardiographic features mimicked those of a cardiac myxoma.
- A smooth surface and echolucent center are atypical for papillary fibroelastoma but characteristic of myxoma.
- The solid tumor center contrasted with the observed echolucent appearance.
Implications:
- Echocardiography may not reliably distinguish papillary fibroelastoma from myxoma in all cases.
- Unusual presentations of papillary fibroelastoma can lead to misdiagnosis.
- Awareness of atypical echocardiographic findings is crucial for accurate cardiac tumor diagnosis.