The Utility of Cardiac Computed Tomographic Angiography in Differentiating Between Papillary Fibroelastoma, Infective Endocarditis, and Degeneration of the Aortic Valve

This study evaluated cardiac CTA for noninvasive characterization of aortic valvular disorders prior to resection. Reader accuracy ranged from 70% to 74%, improving to 76% with consensus interpretations. Small papillary fibroelastomas (≤7 mm) and overlapping imaging features, such as nodular lesions and leaflet thickening, were diagnostic challenges. Greater awareness of these CT characteristics is essential for accurate diagnosis and clinical management.