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Papillary Fibroelastoma as a Cause of Cardioembolic Stroke in Young Adults: A Case Report
Fareha Syeda Zahid1, Peter Howard2, Peter Haworth3
1Internal Medicine, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, GBR.
Insights
A rare cardiac tumor, papillary fibroelastoma (PFE), can cause embolic strokes in young adults. This case highlights PFE as a cause of stroke in a 24-year-old woman, emphasizing the need for cardiac evaluation in young stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Ischaemic strokes are common globally, but rare in young adults.
- Cardioembolism, often from atrial fibrillation or structural heart defects, is a frequent cause of ischaemic stroke.
- Primary cardiac tumours are recognized causes of embolic strokes, with papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) being a rare but significant contributor.
Abstract:
Although ischaemic strokes are common worldwide, strokes in young adults are rare. Cardioembolism is a frequent cause of ischaemic strokes, often arising from atrial fibrillation or, less commonly, underlying structural heart defects. Primary cardiac tumours are commonly associated with embolic strokes. Although papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a rare cardiac tumor, it is one of the most common primary cardiac tumours that causes embolic strokes. We report the case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with sudden-onset right arm weakness. Subsequent investigations, including echocardiography, revealed a papillary mass consistent with PFE.
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