A large false aneurysm of the right ventricle within a giant epicardial lipoma

Chest. 2000 Feb;117(2):601-3. doi: 10.1378/chest.117.2.601.

Abstract

Lipomas, which account for approximately 10% of all neoplasms of the heart, may be detected in asymptomatic patients by chance during echocardiography, CT scan, or MRI scan. Occasionally, lipomas are complicated by arrhythmias. We describe a patient who presented with severe cardiomegaly and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. An MRI scan showed a large intrapericardial lipoma with two large cavities inside communicating with each other and with the right ventricular chamber through a defect of the right ventricular wall. The mass was partially removed, and the right ventricle was patched. Surgery combined with antiarrhythmic therapy resulted in a good short-term result.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, False / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Female
  • Heart Aneurysm / diagnosis*
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Lipoma / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardium* / pathology