Detection of multiple cardiac papillary fibroelastomas using transesophageal echocardiography

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare, benign cardiac tumors that may be associated with embolization, angina, and sudden death. We report a case of multiple papillary fibroelastomas diagnosed during life by transesophageal echocardiography. Surgical resection during mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis prevented the development of any of the life-threatening complications sometimes associated with this tumor.