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Background Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a rare benign cardiac tumor with embolic potential. It is most commonly found on cardiac valves but can also be present on non-valvular endocardial surfaces. We sought to better understand the average PFE growth and recurrence rates, and characteristics that might be associated with embolization. Purpose To examine growth and recurrence rates and factors associated with embolization in patients with pathology-proven PFE. Methods Pathology-proven PFEs from 279 patients were identified at a single center between January 1995 and December 2018,and those with at least two transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) more than 30 days apart were analyzed (n=62). Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics and outcomes. In addition, intra-operative TEEs were manually reviewed and compared to previous TEEs at our institution to estimate overall size, location, and average PFE growth rates. Results The TEEs from 62 patients with pathology-proven PFE (mean age 65±12 years, female 63%) were reviewed. PFE was discovered incidentally during cardiac surgery in 18% of patients. Most PFEs were located on the aortic valve (AV) (73%) followed by the mitral valve (MV) (16%). The majority of PFEs (71%) presented with a stalk versus a sessile configuration. Average maximal length for PFE (including stalk if present) on the AV was 8.5±3.3 mm, and on the MV 6.8±2.0 mm. The number of PFEs located in other locations was too small to be analyzed for growth. PFE growth varied depending on location and configuration. The PFE growth on the AV was an average increase of 0.47 mm/year, those on the MV was 0.115 mm/year. Valvular PFE was associated with significant functional valve abnormality in 15% of patients, and the abnormality was attributed to the PFE in 9% of patients. There were 25 patients (40%) who had a documented stroke/transient ischemic attack prior to PFE removal (46% located on AV, 44% on MV, 10% other locations). In addition, some patients had other documented embolic complications, such as myocardial infarction, amaurosis fugax, and peripheral embolization to the spleen and kidney. PFE size and location (up-/ downstream of the valve) were not predictive of cardiovascular thromboembolic events. At a median follow up of 2 years, PFEs recurred in the same location in 7.5% of the patients. Conclusion PFE is highly associated with thromboembolic events and seem to grow slowly, with an average growth rate of 0.47mm/year on AV and 0.115mm/year on MV. Growth rates for PFE have not been previously described. PFE can be safely excised with preservation of the native valve and recurs in 7.5% of patients, suggesting that close follow-up maybe warranted.

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Minority groups continue to suffer disproportionately from COVID-19's impact, with Blacks and Hispanics three times more likely to die from the disease than their White counterparts. The COVID-19 vaccine roll out has the potential to provide relief to these most adversely impacted communities. However, historic mistrust within racial minority communities threatens to derail the effective implementation of a vaccination program. The origin of this mistrust is multifactorial. Current day experience with structural racism and research abuses like Tuskegee Study collectively influence our perception of biased healthcare system. We outline issues and propose solutions that must be addressed to achieve a successful vaccination agenda. Mishandling of public expectations at any point may lead to an avalanche of vaccine opposition which might be unrecoverable.

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