Mechanical thrombectomy for cerebral embolism due to cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: A case report

PFE and myxoma share many clinical features, but PFE tends to be smaller, so detection is more challenging and has likely resulted in under-recognition. PFE and myxoma can be associated with fatal embolic events. Resection is recommended for left-sided, mobile, symptomatic tumors larger than 10 mm. The differential diagnosis of embolus retrieved through mechanical thrombectomy should consider both myxoma and PFE and persistent efforts should be made to detect the embolic origin.