Thrombus or Tumor? A Case of Fibroelastoma
Author Information
Author(s): Vizzardi Enrico, Faggiano Pompilio, Antonioli Elena, Zanini Gregoriana, Chiari Ermanna, Nodari Savina, Cas Livio Dei
Primary Institution: Section of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Applied Experimental Medicine, Brescia University, Brescia, Italy
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of transoesophageal echocardiography in accurately diagnosing cardiac masses.
Supporting Evidence
- The mass was initially misdiagnosed as a thrombus.
- Transoesophageal echocardiography provided a better diagnosis than transthoracic echocardiography.
- The tumor was confirmed by MRI and histological examination after surgical excision.
Takeaway
Doctors thought a heart mass was a blood clot, but it turned out to be a rare tumor called fibroelastoma, which was only correctly identified after special imaging.
Methodology
The diagnosis was made using transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography, followed by MRI and surgical excision.
Limitations
The initial diagnosis was incorrect due to limitations of transthoracic echocardiography.
Participant Demographics
A 50-year-old woman with a history of heart failure, chronic atrial fibrillation, and hypertension.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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