Prospective assessment of multiple cardiac papillary fibroelastomas: an echocardiographic and surgical study
Le Tourneau, T.; Betto, M.; Richardson, M.; Juthier, F.; Ennezat, P.V.; Polge, A.-S.; Bauters, C.; Vincentelli, A.é; Deklunder, G.
International Journal of Cardiology 145(2): 319-320
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1874-1754 PMID: 20034687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.11.043
Accession: 055235664
Multiple cardiac papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are thought to account for less than 10% of patients with PFE. We aimed at evaluating the frequency and location of multiple PFEs and the reliability of transthoracic (TTE) and transoesophageal (TEE) echocardiography in diagnosing multiple PFEs. Twenty-six consecutive patients (52±14 years, 65% males) with pathologically confirmed PFE had 21 PFEs diagnosed by TTE, 33 by TEE, and 62 at surgery. Eight patients (31%) had multiple PFEs found either by TEE or at surgery. Aortic valve was involved in 75% of patients with multiple PFEs and left ventricle in 38% of patients. The sensitivity of TTE in diagnosing any PFEs was 51.3% and 76.9% for TEE. Our study emphasizes the high frequency of multiple PFEs, the need of TEE for all presumed PFE and the need for careful assessment of left-sided endocardial surfaces, especially of the aortic valve, during PFE excision.