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.

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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