Syncope in a female patient. Echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography reveal an unexpected diagnosis

Sorin Giusca1, Sebastian Buss2, Felix Lasitschka3

  • 1Department of Cardiology & Vascular Medicine GRN Hospital Weinheim Weinheim Germany.

Clinical Case Reports
|June 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Papillary fibroelastomas are benign heart tumors that can embolize. Coronary computed tomography effectively images these tumors, detailing coronary circulation and cardiac mass morphology for patient work-up.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign cardiac tumor.
  • These tumors carry a significant risk of embolization, potentially leading to serious complications.

Observation:

  • Coronary computed tomography (CCT) was utilized for patient work-up.
  • CCT provides detailed visualization of the cardiac mass and surrounding coronary arteries.

Findings:

  • CCT accurately delineates the morphology of the papillary fibroelastoma.
  • The imaging modality offers precise information on the relationship between the tumor and the coronary circulation.

Implications:

  • Coronary computed tomography is a valuable diagnostic tool for papillary fibroelastoma.
  • Accurate imaging aids in risk assessment and management planning for patients with cardiac tumors.

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