Mitral Papillary Fibroelastoma Revealed by Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a very rare benign primary cardiac tumor that preferentially affects heart valves and may lead to severe embolic events. Its diagnosis is now easily suggested by echocardiography, and surgical excision is a safe and effective treatment to prevent recurrence. We report the case of a patient referred for the etiological evaluation of a central retinal artery occlusion, in whom transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a fibroelastoma located on the mitral valve. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive cardiac evaluation in any unexplained embolic event, even when the initial presentation is extra-cardiac.