Imaging and histology in the diagnosis of multiple papillary fibroelastomas in a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Case report

Abstract

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are one of the most frequent primary cardiac tumors and occur more often in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). PFEs have been linked to an increased risk of neurological events. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with HOCM in whom echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal, using 2D and 3D techniques) revealed multiple masses in various locations in the left cardiac chambers. Surgical excision of the cardiac tumors and aortic valve replacement was performed and the pathologic report confirmed the diagnosis of PFEs. Patient followup using ultrasonography is crucial since recurrence is a possibility. Current cardiac ultrasound techniques are essential for diagnosing and for guiding the management of these conditions.