Embolic Stroke from Aortic Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma an Unsuspected Finding

Background: Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are considered the second most common benign primary cardiac tumor after myxoma.

Case summary: The clinical presentation of these tumours varies from asymptomatic to severe ischaemic or embolic complications. The patient presented with left hemiplegia and dysarthria, and as part of its etiological assessment a transesophageal ultrasound was performed objectifying papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve arising from the endocardium of the left coronary cusp. The diagnosis was clarified by the other imaging systems (scanner and magnetic resonance imaging). In front of the embolic episode and the size of the fibroelastoma, the patient was operated, and recovered well.

Conclusion: This case contributes to highlighting that cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are a rare but potentially significant cause of cardioembolic stroke. Urgent resection of the tumour is not only life saving but also avoids tumour related vascular, embolic or neurological complications.

Keywords:Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma; Stroke; Aortic valve