A case of 80-year-old woman who died suddenly is presented. Her medical history comprised syncopes and hospitalisation for myocardial infarction 6 months before death. At the autopsy a large papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve was found. This probably produced intermittent obstruction of the coronary artery ostia.

        Key words: papillary fibroelastoma – aortic valve – myocardial infarction – sudden death