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Papillary fibroelastoma presenting with multi-organ symptoms
Jason G Kaplan1, Arjun Kanwal2, Justin Bahoora1
1Department of Internal Medicine, McLaren Oakland/Michigan State University Internal Medicine Residency Program, Pontiac, MI, USA.
Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives
|November 16, 2020
Summary
Papillary fibroelastomas, rare heart tumors, can cause both heart and neurological symptoms. This case highlights their potential for serious complications like stroke, emphasizing prompt diagnosis and surgical removal.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Papillary fibroelastomas are rare cardiac neoplasms, predominantly affecting the left heart, especially the aortic valve.
- These tumors can manifest with diverse clinical presentations, including cardiac and neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old woman presented with left-sided facial paresthesias and palpitations, symptoms attributed to a cardiac mass found on echocardiography.
- The mass, initially concerning for myxoma due to embolization risk, was located on the aortic annulus.
Findings:
- Intrathoracic surgery confirmed the mass as a papillary fibroelastoma.
- Surgical excision of the papillary fibroelastoma was successfully performed without complications.
Implications:
- Papillary fibroelastomas, present in less than 1% of the population, pose significant risks of embolic events, such as cerebrovascular accidents and myocardial infarctions.
- This case underscores the importance of considering papillary fibroelastomas in patients presenting with unexplained cardiac and neurological symptoms, necessitating timely diagnosis and intervention.
