Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: The need for a timely diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas (CPFs) are the second most common primary cardiac tumors and the most common valvular tumors.
• Despite being histologically benign, CPFs can lead to severe, life-threatening complications.

Observation:

• This report details two cases of undiagnosed CPFs on the aortic valve leading to significant adverse events.
• These cases highlight the potential for serious complications from seemingly asymptomatic cardiac tumors.

Findings:

• Undiagnosed CPFs, particularly on the aortic valve, can precipitate critical events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiac arrest.
• The rarity of CPFs contributes to limited literature and challenges in their clinical management.

Implications:

• Early identification and diagnosis of CPFs are essential for appropriate management.
• Prompt medical intervention based on literature recommendations can mitigate the severe risks associated with CPFs.