Giant intrapericardial lipoma: An unusual cause of dyspnoea

Abstract

The pericardial lipomas are rare benign cardiac tumors. The clinical presentation of these cardiac neoplasms varies according to the site of growth. We describe here a case of massive intrapericardial lipoma leading to severe dyspnea, its diagnostic work up and briefly review the existing literature of this uncommon disorder. The patient underwent successful surgical resection of the tumor with complete alleviation of the symptoms.

Voluminous Intrapericardial Lipoma Mimicking Pericardial Effusion

“…Medical literature may underestimate their real prevalence [ 18 ]. Generally, they remain indolent for many years since clinical symptoms depend on the growth speed, position, and tumor size [ 19 ].…”

“…Fatigue and thoracic pain, possibly by coronary artery compression, are less common clinical manifestations [ 11 , 17 ]. Intracavitary lipomas can lead to heart failure, syncope, and sudden death [ 19 ]. Intramyocardial lipomas may result in conduction system disorders and arrhythmias [ 4 , 32 – 35 ].…”

Multiple well‑differentiated cardiac liposarcoma with a concomitant myocardial lipoma: A case report

“…Cardiac lipomas are usually asymptomatic due to their slow rates of growth and softness ( 11 , 12 ), and are usually serendipitously discovered in autopsies or examinations for other reasons. Cardiac liposarcoma tends to invade neighbouring organs, so they are more likely to cause symptoms than lipomas, which only compress surrounding organs ( 6 ).…”

“…Tumours located near the valves may lead to valve regurgitation. Finally, myocardial lipomas that interfere with the conduction system can lead to arrhythmias ( 12 , 13 ). Our patient had a myocardial lipoma in the right atrium, and as a result, exhibited mild tricuspid valve regurgitation and heart murmur on physical examination.…”

“…On transthoracic echocardiography, pericardial lipomas usually present a relatively anechoic structure. In contrast, lipomas in the heart cavity have an echoic presentation ( 12 ). However, CT and MRI, and especially contrast-enhanced examination, are the most important and valuable methods for providing information on tumour size, location, and composition.…”