A fluttering papillary fibroelastoma in an atypical location: a case report

Less than 5% of all cardiac tumors are categorized as primary heart tumors. Among these, papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is an infrequent and non-malignant cardiac tumor. Although it typically doesn't cause symptoms, it is notable for its ability to generate systemic emboli. We present a case of an incidental discovery on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) of a fluttering mass attached to the posterior papillary muscle that highly suggests PFE, as part of the etiological assessment of a stroke in an 86-year-old woman. Our case emphasizes the significance and importance of TTE for an accurate diagnosis of PFE which might be located in unusual cardiac areas.