Cardiac Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma: Surgical Excision for Revealed or Potential Embolization

Pulmonary Valve Fibroelastoma, Still a Very Rare Cardiac Tumor: Case Report and Literature Review

Background and Clinical Significance: Primary cardiac tumors are among the rarest types of tumor, and until the mid-20th century, they were diagnosed only post-mortem or during other surgical interventions. With the rapid evolution of cardiovascular imaging and the widespread use of echocardiography, the incidence of cardiac fibroelastoma has increased, though it remains one of the rarest primary cardiac tumors. Papillary fibroelastoma is a benign primary cardiac tumor that develops from endocardial tissue, is usually solitary, and can have multiple locations, with the pulmonary valve being one of the rarest sites. The symptoms and complications depend on the tumor's location, ranging from asymptomatic patients to cerebral ischemic embolism or pulmonary embolism. We analyzed the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane and conducted a systematic review of pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma (PVPF). Additionally, we included a case from the Adult and Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic in Targu Mures. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 58-year-old patient who complained of exertional dyspnea. A transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a tumor mass attached to the pulmonary valve and coronary angiography identified severe coronary lesions. Following discussions within the Heart Team, surgical myocardial revascularization and tumor excision were decided upon due to the thromboembolic risk. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of papillary fibroelastoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, with an improvement in dyspnea. The mean age of the patients was 60 years, with half being men (n = 26, 50%). Regarding symptoms, 34% (n = 18) of cases were incidentally identified, while over 30% (n = 17) presented with dyspnea. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was reported in only two patients, and the most common associated comorbidities included high blood pressure (HBP) in 33% (n = 16) and dyslipidemia in 18%. Tumor size ranged from 0.7 cm to 3 cm with the initial benign cardiac tumor; its occurrence in the pulmonary valve remains exceedingly rare. Due to its frequent overlap with other cardiac pathologies, the clinical presentation is often a nonspecific diagnosis or suspicion of a tumor predominantly established via transthoracic echocardiography in 62% of patients. From a surgical perspective, 63% (n = 33) underwent tumor resection with valve sparing, 25% (n = 12) required pulmonary valve repair, and three patients necessitated pulmonary valve replacement. Conclusions: Although the incidence of papillary fibroelastoma is increasing, making it the most common, there is a need to highlight the indispensable role of echocardiography in diagnosis. Although papillary fibroelastoma is benign, surgical intervention is recommended, particularly in symptomatic patients, or if the tumor exceeds 1 cm in size, exhibits increased mobility, or is present alongside other cardiac surgical procedures.

Finger ischemia in a young lady: an unusual presentation of papillary fibroelastoma with intraventricular location

An otherwise healthy 32-year-old woman suffered from finger ischemia. An echocardiogram and computed tomography scan revealed a mobile mass in the left ventricle that was attached to the anterior papillary muscle and did not involve the valve leaflets. The tumor was resected, and histopathology confirmed it to be a papillary fibroelastoma. Our case emphasizes the significance of a comprehensive diagnostic work-up for a peripheral ischemic lesion. This resulted in the discovery of an unusual intra-ventricular origin for a commonly benign tumor.

Papillary fibroelastoma of the pulmonary valve--a systematic review

The pulmonary valve is the least affected site for valvular papillary fibroelastoma. With increasing use of routine echocardiography and other modalities of imaging, pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastomas (PVPFE) are being recognized more frequently. PVPFE is more often an incidental diagnosis and symptomatic patients usually present with shortness of breath. Embolic phenomena and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction are the most serious complications of PVPFE. Since PVPFE is rare, the purpose of this systematic review is to address demographic characteristics, the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of this benign tumor of the pulmonary valve.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a retrospect of four cases

OBJECTIVE

We have reviewed the medical histories of 4 patients who underwent operations between November 2004 and February 2011 at Changhai Hospital for cardiac papillary fibroelastoma.

METHODS

Diagnosis was demonstrably suggested by echocardiography. Tumor locations were mitral valve (1), left atrium (1), and aortic valve (2). Indications for operation were previous cerebrovascular accident for the mitral tumor, incidental apopsychia and giant mobile mass for the left atrium, ingravescent chest tightness and palpitations for the first aortic tumor, and severe regurgitation of aortic valve for the second aortic tumor. The study was approved by the Changhai Hospital Ethics Committee, and the consent from the patients or their immediate family was obtained.

RESULTS

Surgical excision with necessary valve replacement operations was performed in all cases. All patients had uneventful postoperative recoveries. No evidence of regurgitation or recurrence was seen on echocardiography at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their histologically benign aspect, cardiac papillary fibroelastomas should be removed because of potential embolic complications.

Pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma diagnosed by echocardiography: a case report

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are rare cardiac valve tumours with reported incidence of <0.03% according to autopsy studies. Among them, pulmonary valve PFEs are extremely rare. With wider use of echocardiography, they are being increasingly recognized premortem. We describe a case of a 32-year-old Caucasian woman with PFE of pulmonic valve diagnosed by echocardiography. The patient underwent surgery due to high mobility of the tumour and high risk of embolic complications. The surgery was done with complete tumour resection and total preservation of valve function. This case report discusses diagnostics of PFEs, their characteristic echocardiographic and histological features, and possible complications and suggests treatment options in this rare cardiac tumour.