[Effective Anticoagulation Therapy Prior to Surgical Excision of an Aortic Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma Diagnosed after a Transient Cerebral Ischemic Attack;Report of a Case].

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is reported to be the 2nd most common cardiac tumor following myxoma. Owing to the risk of embolism, early surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We report a case of effective anticoagulation therapy prior to surgical excision of an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma. A 78-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of transient cerebral ischemic attack. The symptom was relieved in a short period. Echocardiography revealed a tumor at the aortic valve. Cardiac computed tomography revealed a sea-anemone-like appearance of the tumor. Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma was suspected on close examination. The operation was postponed because of gingivitis that required draining. During 3 months awaiting the operation, he continued receiving anticoagulation therapy, which successfully prevented thromboembolism. Administration of anticoagulation therapy may be considered, unless early surgical excision can be performed.