CTSNet classification
I found the brief communication by Dr Fayad and colleagues
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regarding a case of “invasive” papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) interesting. Certainly this seems to be an uncommon variant of a rare lesion. However, use of the term invading has certain connotations, at least to a pathologist. This term is typically reserved to describe malignant processes wherein there is destruction of normal tissue. The authors make no claim that they are using the term invading in this way, although they do mention that it is impossible to prove infiltration of the valvular tissue because the valve was not excised. Indeed, one might contend that it would be impossible to prove even if the valve was removed because the point of attachment of the PFE with the endocardium is indistinct at best and usually merges imperceptibly with the underlying connective tissue.2
Perhaps sessile might be a more appropriate term to use in describing this lesion. This term refers mostly to the gross appearance but more importantly does not imply anything about the aggressiveness of a lesion. Also, PFEs with a sessile configuration have been described, but they are quite rare.I must admit that I found the discussion somewhat confusing in that it seems to contradict the information in the “Clinical Summary” section. For instance, both the transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms showed a round, highly mobile, pedunculated mass. Likewise, the histopathologic examination described specific fronds attached to a common pedicle. This contrasts with the “Discussion” portion that begins by mentioning the rarity of multiple PFEs. Is this case then to be considered an example of multiple PFEs? If so, it might be helpful to know whether the patient had any previous cardiac operations because there is some evidence to suggest that so-called iatrogenic PFEs are more often multiple.
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Either way, this certainly represents a very unusual morphology for a PFE.Whether PFE is a neoplasm, hamartoma, malformation, or organized thrombus or the result of a reactive/degenerative process is still not known. A lesion such as the one described seems to be more in keeping with the latter. Only by the reporting and study of these rare lesions can we someday hope to ascertain the pathogenesis of PFE.
References
- An unusual case of mitral valve “invading” papillary fibroelastoma.J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2006; : 1472-1473
- Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a comprehensive analysis of 725 cases.Am Heart J. 2003; 146: 404-410
- Iatrogenic cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a study of 12 cases (1990 to 2000).Hum Pathol. 2002; 33: 1165-1169
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 25,
2006
Received:
August 2,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ScienceDirect
Access this article on ScienceDirectLinked Article
- An unusual case of papillary fibroelastoma “invading” the mitral valveThe Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryVol. 132Issue 6
- PreviewWe report the case of a 28-year-old patient who was admitted to an emergency department for left-sided motor deficit. The medical history showed multiple transient ischemic attacks over the past 2 years. Preoperative cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed right sylvian infarct. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a round, highly mobile, pedunculated 6- by 5-mm mass attached to the anterior mitral leaflet near the posterior commissure. Transesophageal echocardiogram showed similar images (Figures 1 and 2, arrows).
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