Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) located on mitral and aortic valves are known to produce systemic embolism mainly represented by strokes, whereas myocardial infarction and sudden death usually result from specific locations around LVOT. Coronary artery embolic occlusion originating from a mitral location has not yet been reported. The case is reported of a 42-year-old man referred for surgical treatment of a mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma disclosed after transitory and completely regressive left

hemicorporeal deficiency and previous myocardial infarct. Due to the left chamber location, surgery was scheduled and complete removal of the mass achieved. These findings emphasize the potential life-threatening complications of CPF and, independent of risk factors, the need to perform systematic coronary angiography before surgical excision is considered.


The Journal of Heart Valve Disease 2006;15:136-139