Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: Report of a surgical series

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a rare primary benign tumor of cardiac origin that predominantly affects the cardiac valves. Although most patients are asymptomatic, serious complications may result given their propensity for embolization. Advances in imaging technology have enabled earlier detection and more accurate characterization of these tumors. We report a case series, describing clinical presentation, treatment and outcome.

Institutional records of a tertiary center between 1997 and 2015 were reviewed for all patients diagnosed with PFE treated surgically and confirmed histologically. Demographic and clinical characteristics, echocardiography findings and treatment modalities were analyzed and recurrence at follow-up was studied.

A total of 26 patients (69% male), aged 54±18 years, had a PFE. Clinically, PFE presented with neurologic deficits in eight cases and was asymptomatic in 65.4%. The mitral valve surface was the predominant tumor location (53.8%), followed by the aortic valve (34.6%). Tumor size ranged between 3 mm and 22 mm, 26.9% had a pedicle and 42.4% were mobile. All patients were treated successfully by complete resection, isolated in 88.5% and with valve repair in three cases. No other cardiac procedure was performed concomitantly and there were no major postoperative complications. Median follow-up was 61±49 months and no tumor recurrence or embolic events were documented.

Fibroelastomas are generally small, single and detected by chance during routine imaging exams. Complete surgical resection of the tumor has an excellent prognosis and appears to be a good strategy.