Brainstem stroke caused by left atrial cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: an increasingly recognized rare cause of...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is a rare cardiac tumor.
• CPFs are an increasingly recognized cause of embolic stroke, particularly in elderly patients.
• Prompt surgical intervention is often necessary for managing CPFs.

Observation:

• A 76-year-old gentleman presented with left internuclear ophthalmoplegia and ataxia.
• Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffusion-weighted imaging abnormalities consistent with stroke.
• The patient was diagnosed with a left atrial appendage cardiac fibroelastoma.

Findings:

• This case highlights an unusual presentation of CPF.
• The findings underscore the significance of echocardiography in evaluating cardioembolic stroke in older adults.
• Early detection through echocardiography is critical for effective treatment.

Implications:

• This case emphasizes the need for considering rare cardiac tumors in the differential diagnosis of stroke in the elderly.
• Echocardiographic screening can aid in the early identification of cardiac sources of embolism.
• Timely diagnosis and surgical management of CPF can prevent further embolic events and improve patient outcomes.