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Mitral valve fibroelastoma
1Department of Surgery, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines 50309.
Abstract:
Papillary fibroelastomas are rare benign tumors of the heart with predisposition for cardiac valvular involvement that were traditionally incidental findings at autopsy. Echocardiography now is allowing clinicians to diagnose these tumors in living patients. We reviewed the literature and, to our knowledge, are reporting the fifth documented case of a mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma in a living patient. Our patient was seen with bilateral transient ischemic attacks and was found to have a mitral valve tumor by two-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. The tumor involved the entire mitral valve and subvalvular structures. The patient's valve was replaced with a bioprosthesis, and she remains free from symptoms.
Insights
Papillary fibroelastomas are rare heart tumors. This case highlights diagnosing a mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma in a living patient using echocardiography, leading to successful valve replacement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Papillary fibroelastomas are rare, benign cardiac tumors.
- Traditionally diagnosed post-mortem, echocardiography now enables in-vivo diagnosis.
- Cardiac valvular involvement is a common characteristic.
Observation:
- A patient presented with bilateral transient ischemic attacks.
- Two-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac catheterization revealed a mitral valve tumor.
- The tumor extensively involved the mitral valve and subvalvular apparatus.
Findings:
- This represents the fifth documented case of a mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma in a living patient.
- Surgical intervention involved mitral valve replacement with a bioprosthesis.
- The patient experienced a complete resolution of symptoms post-surgery.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of cardiac tumors via echocardiography is crucial.
- Surgical management, including valve replacement, can be highly effective.
- This case contributes to understanding the clinical presentation and management of papillary fibroelastomas.