Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma arising from the opening of the left inferior pulmonary vein in left atrium: A rare case report

RATIONALE: Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a small, benign endocardial tumor, while it is clinically important because of its strategic position and propensity for causing embolic events and hemodynamic complications. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 59-year-old female presented our hospital for investigation and treatment of a sudden onset of syncope lasted about 2 minutes. DIAGNOSES: Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma arising from left inferior pulmonary vein in left atrium. INTERVENTIONS: The tumor was successfully removed by cardiac surgery. OUTCOMES: The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged 10 days after surgery. The patient remained free of neurologic deficits and had no evidence of residual or recurrence of tumor with echocardiography during 1 year of follow-up. LESSONS: Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a benign tumor, with increased risk of thromboembolic events. It is often diagnosed in patients with echocardiography by chance or after a neurologic event. Complete surgical resection should be considered when the patient is indicated and the long-term postoperative prognosis is excellent.