Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2015 | Case report
An asymptomatic right atrial intramyocardial lipoma: a management dilemma
Authors:
Haiyong Wang, Jiangwei Hu, Xiaolin Sun, Pingshan Wang, Zhenzong Du
Published in:
World Journal of Surgical Oncology
|
Issue 1/2015
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Abstract
Background
The atrial intramyocardial lipomas are rare benign unusual tumors of the heart. The indication and best form of treatment for cardiac lipomas remain controversial.
Case presentation
The atrial intramyocardial lipomas are rare benign unusual tumors of the heart. We report a 55-year-old Chinese female with a history of hypertension. Echocardiography and 64-slice computed tomography showed a fatty mass in the right atrium. Although she was asymptomatic, a surgical resection was indicated since the lipoma could cause an embolism and arrhythmias and its potential to enlarge. Surgery revealed an intramyocardial lipoma on the atrial free wall which was confirmed by histopathology. The patient remained asymptomatic after surgery, and no recurrence was seen after 1 year.
Conclusions
Although cardiac lipomas are usually benign, tumor embolism, potential to enlarge, or intracardiac obstruction can cause a critical situation. Therefore, a surgical resection was indicated even in asymptomatic patients.