Multiple papillary fibroelastomas of the aortic valve detected by real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic images

Abstract Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a well-known primary cardiac tumor, but multiple PFEs are rare. We report an interesting case with multiple PFEs that were clearly demonstrated and evaluated with real time three-dimensional (RT3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A 77-year-old woman was referred to our institution with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hip. Transthoracic echocardiography showed an abnormal structure on the aortic valve. Although two-dimensional TEE revealed typical characteristics of multiple PFE, RT3D TEE clearly demonstrated their number and location on the right and non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve. These results were subsequently confirmed by surgery and pathological findings. RT3D TEE is an exceptionally useful tool for pre-surgical evaluation of PFE. Learning objective: PFE is a well-known primary cardiac tumor, but multiple PFEs are rare. We report an interesting case with multiple PFEs that was clearly demonstrated and evaluated with RT3D TEE. RT3D TEE is an exceptionally useful tool for pre-surgical evaluation of PFE.>