Cardiac Fibromas in the Adult

Abstract

Cardiac fibromas are primarily detected in infants and children but are extremely rare in adults. We report a case of a cardiac fibroma in a 37 year old male and review the literature on this subject. The patient was referred for evaluation of a cardiac mass. Echocardiography and computed tomography examinations revealed it as an inhomogeneous mass with calcifications. Subsequently, the lesion was completely excised and confirmed to be a cardiac fibroma. Cardiac fibromas account for only a very small percentage of all cardiac tumors. The occurrence and severity of symptoms caused by cardiac fibromas are primarily determined by the sites and size of lesions. Imaging techniques are very sensitive in diagnosing cardiac fibromas, defining the extent and planning surgical approach. Surgical treatment of cardiac fibromas gives excellent early and late survival. Although cardiac fibromas are benign, their behavior is unpredictable. Surgery appears to be the optimal treatment for patients with resectable tumors.