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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Method for the Visualization and Assessment of Specific Parameters of the Pulmonary Veins
Published on: October 28, 2020
Pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma diagnosed by echocardiography: a case report
Stanko Biocić1, Silva Puksić, Josip Vincelj
1Department of Cardiology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Av. Gojka Suska 6, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract:
Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are rare cardiac valve tumours with reported incidence of <0.03% according to autopsy studies. Among them, pulmonary valve PFEs are extremely rare. With wider use of echocardiography, they are being increasingly recognized premortem. We describe a case of a 32-year-old Caucasian woman with PFE of pulmonic valve diagnosed by echocardiography. The patient underwent surgery due to high mobility of the tumour and high risk of embolic complications. The surgery was done with complete tumour resection and total preservation of valve function. This case report discusses diagnostics of PFEs, their characteristic echocardiographic and histological features, and possible complications and suggests treatment options in this rare cardiac tumour.
Insights
Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are rare heart tumors. This case highlights a pulmonary valve PFE diagnosed via echocardiography, successfully treated with surgery preserving valve function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are rare cardiac valve tumors, with autopsy studies reporting an incidence of less than 0.03%.
- Pulmonary valve PFEs are exceptionally uncommon, though increased use of echocardiography leads to more premortem diagnoses.
Observation:
- A case report details a 32-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with a PFE of the pulmonic valve using echocardiography.
- The tumor exhibited high mobility, posing a significant risk of embolic complications.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the pulmonary valve PFE was performed.
- The surgery resulted in complete tumor removal and total preservation of the patient's valve function.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing rare cardiac tumors like PFEs.
- It highlights surgical management as a viable option for pulmonary valve PFEs, emphasizing successful outcomes with valve function preservation.
- The report contributes to understanding the diagnostic features, histological characteristics, complications, and treatment strategies for this rare cardiac tumor.
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