Incidental papillary fibroelastoma multimodal: imaging and surgical decisions in 2 patients

Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign cardiac tumor typically found on the heart valves. It is usually discovered incidentally on echocardiography. The clinical presentation of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma varies from no symptoms to severe embolic sequelae. We report the incidental finding of papillary fibroelastoma in 2 patients. In each, we chose to excise the tumor. The relevant medical literature provides little guidance regarding whether to excise a small papillary fibroelastoma in an asymptomatic patient. Multimodal imaging, which we discuss in the context of our patients' cases, aids the cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeon in more accurately evaluating papillary fibroelastoma preoperatively.