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Published on: March 31, 2023
Rapid development of a papillary fibroelastoma in the aortic valve: report of a case
Haruhiko Kondoh1, Takayuki Yamada, Akira Yoshida
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Otemae Hospital, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan.
Insights
A rare, fast-growing cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) was found on the aortic valve in a 71-year-old woman. Surgical removal preserved the valve, highlighting the importance of monitoring cardiac masses.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas (CPFs) are rare, typically slow-growing tumors.
- Early detection and management are crucial to prevent embolic events and complications.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman presented with palpitations, initially showing no cardiac abnormalities.
- Twelve months later, she developed exertional chest discomfort, with echocardiography revealing a rapidly growing mass on the aortic valve.
- The tumor, measuring 16 x 7 mm, exhibited a sea anemone-like appearance with villus projections.
Findings:
- The mass was diagnosed as a papillary fibroelastoma.
- Surgical resection of the aortic valve tumor was performed successfully, preserving the native valve.
- The rapid growth of this cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is an unusual presentation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for rapid growth in cardiac papillary fibroelastomas, necessitating vigilant monitoring.
- Timely surgical intervention can effectively manage symptomatic CPFs and prevent embolic complications.
- Preservation of the aortic valve during resection is achievable, offering a favorable prognosis.
Abstract:
We report a case of a fast-growing cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) arising in the aortic valve. A 71-year-old woman was referred to a cardiologist for investigation of palpitations. Cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, and echocardiography showed no stenosis of the coronary arteries, nor any other cardiovascular abnormalities. However, 12 months later she was referred to our hospital for further investigations when she began experiencing chest discomfort on exertion. This time, echocardiography showed an abnormal mass arising from the aortic valve, floating between the left sinus of Valsalva and the ascending aorta. Considering the risk of an embolic event, we performed semi-emergency surgery to remove the tumor, preserving the aortic valve. The resected tumor was 16 x 7 mm, and sea anemone-like, with many villus projections. It was diagnosed as papillary fibroelastoma. Such rapid development of CPF is rare.
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