Giant Vegetation of the Mitral Valve Simulating Primary Cardiac Tumor

A case of a giant vegetation of the mitral valve causing sudden death of the patient is reported. The case underlines that urgent removal of a big mass must always be considered because of the risk of sudden death or catastrophic embolism. Echocardiographic differential diagnosis of a mass is discussed and is crucial for the choice of the strategy. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, February 2004)