Giant Lipoma Originating from the Right Ventricular Infundibulum - A Case Report

Lucian Florin Dorobantu

doi:10.4172/2155-9880.1000379

Abstract

Known as a rare benign cardiac tumor, epicardial lipoma is often an asymptomatic condition discovered due to increasing use of diagnostic imaging techniques. We report a case of a 54-year old patient referred to our institution with mild dyspnea, chough and an enlarged cardiac siluette on a routine chest X-ray. A large intrapericardial mass suggestive for lipoma encompassing the left and right ventricles was detected by echocardiographic examination and computer tomography scan. Resection of a 650 g mass with right ventricular infundibulum origin was performed via sternotomy, with histopathological confirmation of epicardial lipoma.

Highlights

Cardiac lipoma accounts for 10% of the benign tumors of the heart, generally consisting of encapsulated fatty tissue with variable origin and location [1]
They can present with symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, many of the diagnosed cardiac lipomas are asymptomatic and represent an incidental finding on imaging studies [2]
A 54-year-old man with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III dyspnea and non-productive cough presented in a medium-care hospital

Summary

Introduction

Cardiac lipoma accounts for 10% of the benign tumors of the heart, generally consisting of encapsulated fatty tissue with variable origin and location [1]. They can present with symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, many of the diagnosed cardiac lipomas are asymptomatic and represent an incidental finding on imaging studies [2]. While standard initial testing was unremarkable, on echocardiographic examination a large intrapericardic mass was described, approximately 11 cm length, 6 cm width and 2 cm thickness, encapsulated, with moderate echogenicity and surrounding the right and left ventricle. Uncomplicated evolution allowed hospital discharge on the 6th postoperative day

Discussion

Findings

Conclusion