Intrapericardial lipoma: diagnosed unexpectedly and resected during coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract

Cardiac lipomas are extremely rare tumors, they usually remain asymptomatic and are detected incidentally, mostly during autopsies. In symptomatic patients, the diagnosis can easily be made by echocardiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. We report a case of pericardial lipoma found unexpectedly during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. The patient underwent a successful resection of the tumor and CABG via a median sternotomy. The patient is currently asymptomatic and has not presented with evidence of recurrence at the 12-month follow-up.

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 ).…”

“…Cardiac liposarcoma tends to invade neighbouring organs, so they are more likely to cause symptoms than lipomas, which only compress surrounding organs ( 6 ). The symptoms of cardiac lipoma and liposarcoma are generally similar, and patients often present with fatigue, dyspnoea, syncope, chest discomfort, chest pain, palpitation, and even sudden death ( 3 , 11 ). The appearance of symptoms is usually determined by the location and size of the tumour.…”

Ultrasonography, X-ray and CT imaging findings of a giant pericardial lipoma: Imaging diagnosis and review of the literature

“…The tumor may occur in females or males at any age. The majority of the patients are asymptomatic, while certain patients may suffer from discomfort in the chest, dyspnea, palpitation, syncope or sudden death, depending on the location of the tumor and the possible resultant compression or obstruction (3). …”

Resection of an Intrapericardial Lipoma with Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia

“…The latter is known to be associated with cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death . On the contrary, the former is usually asymptomatic or with minor symptoms such as chest discomfort …”