Papillary fibroelastoma of the interventricular septum mimicking a cardiac myxoma

Abstract

Papillary fibroelastomas are benign cardiac tumors that involve cardiac valves. These tumors are usually asymptomatic and are found incidentally during cardiac surgery or during echocardiographic evaluation in a patient who exhibits cardiac symptoms. However, these tumors may cause major thromboembolic complications. Herein, we describe the surgical management of a patient who had an unusual appearance and location of a papillary fibroelastoma that was attached to the interventricular septum. © 2010 by the Texas Heart® Institute, Houston.