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Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma
D M Shahian1, S B Labib, G Chang
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, Massachusetts 01805.
Insights
Papillary fibroelastomas are the most common primary heart valve tumors. Due to risks of embolization, surgical excision is recommended even for small cardiac tumors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Cardiac Oncology
Background:
- Papillary fibroelastomas are rare neoplasms.
- They represent the most frequent primary tumors affecting heart valves.
Observation:
- These cardiac tumors can manifest on any heart valve or endothelial surface.
- Detection methods include echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, intraoperative findings, and autopsy.
Findings:
- Papillary fibroelastomas, despite rarity, are the leading primary heart valve tumors.
- Cerebral and coronary artery embolization are significant risks associated with these lesions.
Implications:
- Early detection and diagnosis of papillary fibroelastomas are crucial.
- Surgical excision is advised for all papillary fibroelastomas to prevent embolic events and manage cardiac tumors.
Abstract:
Papillary fibroelastomas are rare cardiac tumors, but they are the most common primary tumor of the heart valves. These lesions occur on any of the valves or endothelial surfaces of the heart and may be detected by echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, during open heart operation for other conditions, or at autopsy. Because of their potential for cerebral and coronary embolization, even small papillary fibroelastomas should be excised.