Clinical Report: An Uncommon Case of Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma in a Pediatric Patient

Overview

This report details a rare case of a large cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) in a pediatric patient, highlighting the importance of early surgical intervention to prevent embolic complications. The patient, a 7-year-old, underwent successful surgical excision and tricuspid valvuloplasty.

Background

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are rare tumors, particularly in children, and typically present as incidental findings during imaging. Their potential for embolization necessitates careful evaluation and management, especially when they are large and mobile. This case underscores the need for vigilance in assessing heart murmurs in asymptomatic children.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data available in the article.

Key Findings

• A 7-year-and-6-month-old patient presented with an incidental cardiac murmur and upper respiratory infection.
• Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a 30 × 25 × 21 mm pedunculated, mobile mass on the anterior tricuspid valve.
• Surgical excision was performed due to the risk of embolization, with tricuspid valvuloplasty to preserve valve function.
• The mass was described as having a cauliflower-like appearance upon gross examination.
• The patient recovered uneventfully, demonstrating the importance of early intervention in similar cases.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should maintain a high index of suspicion for cardiac tumors in pediatric patients presenting with heart murmurs, even in the absence of symptoms. Early surgical intervention is crucial in cases of large, mobile PFEs to prevent serious complications such as embolization.

Conclusion

This case highlights the rarity of cardiac papillary fibroelastomas in children and the critical role of timely surgical management in ensuring positive outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

1. Pediatric Cardiology, Springer, 2012 -- Significant Right Ventricular Fibroma Detected in a 6-Month-Old Female Infant
2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Case report: Non-surgical triumph in pericardial paraganglioma: durable tumor regression via targeted embolization of coronary collaterals
3. Pediatric Cardiology, Springer, 2026 -- Fetal cardiomyopathy secondary to infiltrative cardiac fibroma
4. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Successful Surgical Treatment of a Giant Right Ventricular Myxoma with Pulmonary Artery Tumor Thrombus in an Adolescent Patient: Case Report
5. American College of Cardiology, 2024 -- Multimodality Imaging in Cardiac Masses: Key Points
6. Multimodality Imaging in Cardiac Masses: Key Points - American College of Cardiology
7. https://www.ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/download/5215/4494/49774
8. Cardiac tumors: clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and results | Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery | Springer Nature Link