CARDIAC PAPILLARY FIBROELASTOMA

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare cardiac tumors, but they are the mos t common primary tumor of the heart valves. These lesions occur on any of the valves or endothelial surfaces of the heart and may be detecte d by echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, during open heart oper ation for other conditions, or at autopsy. Because of their potential for cerebral and coronary embolization, even small papillary fibroelas tomas should be excised.