What is papillary fibroelastoma?

• Benign papillary growth of endocardium and avascular fibroelastic tissue • Typical patient: 60 - 70 years but can be seen in all ages • Considerable variation to clinical presentation – Most commonly asymptomatic , diagnosed incidentally (routine imaging or at the time of cardiac surgery for an alternate indication) – May present with syncope, myocardial infarction or sudden death • Imaging is the most classic means of diagnosis • Benign behavior but may result in morbidity / mortality from downstream (thrombo) embolization • Excellent prognosis with surgical removal