Incidental detection of an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma by echocardiography in an asymptomatic patient presenting with hypertension

Abstract

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare, frond-like tumours of uncertain etiology seen on cardiac valves, uncommonly found antemortem. They carry a significant risk of embolization, making their detection and excision during life an important issue. A case of an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma is described, which was found at echocardiography in a patient being assessed for previously unrecognized, severe hypertension.