Central retinal artery occlusion in a patient with aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma are rare benign tumours of the endocardium, often arising from heart valves. Despite their benign histology, papillary fibroelastoma carry high embolic potential and can lead to ischaemic events. In contrast to stroke, ocular embolization including central retinal artery occlusion is a rather rare first manifestation.

Case summary

We report a 61-year-old female with sudden painless monocular vision loss due to central retinal artery occlusion. Initial stroke and cardiovascular work-up revealed a very small floating mass (0.6 × 0.4 × 0.2 cm) on the aortic valve by transesophageal echocardiography. The patient underwent successful surgical excision, with histopathology confirming papillary fibroelastoma.

Discussion

Central reti

SUBMITTER: Kerwagen F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12919356 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature