Calcified right ventricular fibroma in an adult.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac fibromas are benign tumours of the heart and are composed of fibroblasts and collagen. They are one of the most common cardiac tumours encountered in children and adolescents but are rare in adults.

CASE REPORT: The patient was a 57-year-old man who presented, complaining of a two-year history of chest tightness at rest. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a severely calcified mass protruding from the anterior wall of the right ventricle near the apex. The patient was referred for tumour resection. Postoperative histopathological examination identified the calcified mass to be a cardiac fibroma. The patient's postoperative recovery was unremarkable and he was discharged eight days after surgery. During follow up, he has been free from any troublesome symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-operative diagnosis using various imaging modalities and early surgery are key to optimising the prognosis of patients with a cardiac fibroma.