Published online Jan 16, 2017. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v5.i1.9
Peer-review started: June 24, 2016
First decision: August 11, 2016
Revised: September 3, 2016
Accepted: October 25, 2016
Article in press: October 27, 2016
Published online: January 16, 2017
Processing time: 202 Days and 12.1 Hours
Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas (CPFs) are the second most common primary cardiac tumors and the most common cardiac valvular tumors. Although they are histologically benign and usually asymptomatic, CPFs can lead to serious and life-threatening complications like myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolus, cardiac arrest etc. CPFs represent a rare entity in clinical medicine and literature regarding their management is limited. We report two cases which illustrate such complications arising from undiagnosed CPFs on the aortic valve. We further stress on the importance of identifying CPFs early so that they can be managed appropriately based on recommendations from the available literature.
Core tip: The cases illustrate serious complications that can arise from an undiagnosed cardiac papillary fibroelastoma. The importance of continued investigation with a transesophageal echo when there is high clinical suspicion is explained. Current management strategies have been outlined based on available literature.