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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Cardioembolic stroke due to papillary fibroelastoma
D S Liebeskind1, N Buljubasic, J L Saver
1University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Summary
Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs), rare heart tumors, can cause strokes. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is crucial for diagnosing these embolic sources, especially in cryptogenic stroke cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are rare primary cardiac tumors.
- These tumors carry a significant risk of causing embolic events.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in identifying cardiac tumors.
- To emphasize the importance of considering PFEs in patients with cryptogenic stroke.
- To underscore the embolic potential of aortic valve PFEs.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 72-year-old male patient with hypertension and diabetes.
- Standard etiological work-up for stroke was performed.
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was utilized for cardiac imaging.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced a right middle cerebral artery stroke of unknown origin.
- TEE revealed an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma.
- This finding identified the cardiac tumor as the embolic source.
Conclusions:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a critical diagnostic tool for detecting cardiac tumors like PFEs.
- PFEs should be strongly considered in the differential diagnosis of cryptogenic large vessel stroke.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of cardiac tumors are essential to prevent embolic complications.
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