Multiple papillary fibroelastomas of the aortic valve detected by real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic images

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a well-known primary cardiac tumor, but multiple PFEs are rare. We report an interesting case with multiple PFEs that were clearly demonstrated and evaluated with real time three-dimensional (RT3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A 77-year-old woman was referred to our institution with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hip. Transthoracic echocardiography showed an abnormal structure on the aortic valve. Although two-dimensional TEE revealed typical characteristics of multiple PFE, RT3D TEE clearly demonstrated their number and location on the right and non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve. These results were subsequently confirmed by surgery and pathological findings. RT3D TEE is an exceptionally useful tool for pre-surgical evaluation of PFE.