# Incidental Detection of a Non-valvular Papillary Fibroelastoma on Transthoracic Echocardiography in an Elderly Patient Undergoing Preoperative Assessment for Hip Repair

## TL;DR

An elderly patient had a rare heart tumor discovered during a preoperative checkup for hip repair, emphasizing the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing unexplained breathing issues.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the incidental detection of a non-valvular PFE in an elderly patient and underscores the need for tailored management of such tumors.

## Key findings

- A 91-year-old patient was found to have a nonvalvular PFE during preoperative assessment for hip repair.
- Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a pedunculated mass causing mid-diastolic obstruction.
- Close cardiac monitoring was recommended due to the patient's clinical presentation and imaging findings.

## Abstract

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a rare benign cardiac tumor that is often detected incidentally. This case report describes a 91-year-old Lebanese female who was admitted for a hip fracture and was found to have a nonvalvular cardiac PFE during preoperative evaluation. The patient had a history of progressive dyspnea, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a pedunculated mass attached to the chordae of the posterior papillary muscle, causing mid-diastolic obstruction. Given the patient’s clinical presentation and imaging findings, close postoperative monitoring in the cardiac care unit was advised. This case highlights the importance of echocardiographic evaluation in elderly patients with unexplained dyspnea and the need for individualized management strategies for incidentally discovered cardiac tumors.