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Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology 1/2015

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.
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Metadata
Title
An asymptomatic right atrial intramyocardial lipoma: a management dilemma
Authors
Haiyong Wang
Jiangwei Hu
Xiaolin Sun
Pingshan Wang
Zhenzong Du
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
World Journal of Surgical Oncology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7819
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-015-0441-9

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