Valve-sparing removal of aortic fibroelastoma through ministernotomy

J Heart Valve Dis. 2007 Mar;16(2):206-8.

Abstract

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare benign tumor which involves the heart valves and may cause thromboembolism or mechanical interference with valvular function. The case is presented of an asymptomatic, 22-year-old man in whom a fibroelastoma was localized on the ventricular aspect of the right coronary leaflet of the aortic valve. The tumor was identified during transthoracic echocardiography performed to monitor a mitral valve prolapse that had occurred at the age of 16 years. The patient underwent surgical intervention by means of a minimally invasive thoracotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 5. Due to the high incidence of embolism, the tumor must be surgically removed immediately a diagnosis is confirmed. A minimal surgical approach appears to be safe and allows good exposure of the lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve / pathology
  • Aortic Valve / surgery*
  • Echocardiography
  • Fibroma / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibroma / surgery*
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse / diagnostic imaging
  • Papillary Muscles / diagnostic imaging
  • Papillary Muscles / pathology
  • Papillary Muscles / surgery
  • Sternum / surgery*
  • Thoracotomy