[Benign tumors of the heart (excluding myxoma). Experience with 9 surgically treated cases]

Benign non myxomatous cardiac tumors are rare. Between 1968 and 1988, 9 patients presenting benign non myxomatous cardiac tumors were operated in our institution. Tumors were: 2 rhabdomyomas, 2 lipomas, 2 fibromas, 1 pheochromocytomas, 1 mesothelioma and 1 papillary fibroelastoma. Total excision was possible in all cases but one (multiple fibromas). We hereby present a review of the literature on the subject. We focalize on the new imagery techniques in order to help the diagnosis and on the new surgical possibilities (cardiomyoplasty) which make possible complete surgical excision.