Papillary fibroelastoma on the mitral valve.

A 78-year-old woman was admitted with transient unknown fever and old cerebral infarction. An echocardiogram demonstrated mild mitral valve regurgitation and high echogenic mass on the mitral posterior leaflet. Surgery was performed with the diagnosis of a healed infective endocarditis. A sea anemone-like appearance tumor, 8 mm in diameter, was located on the mitral posterior leaflet. Annuloplasty was performed following removal of the tumor. A pathological examination confirmed the lesion was a papillary fibroelastoma. No evidence of infective endocarditis was seen. The cause of the fever remained unknown. The tumor was very fragile. Surgical removal was mandatory for preventing embolism despite the advanced age.