Title Lipomatous hypertrophy of cardiac interatrial septum: A case report
Authors Laima, Sigitas ; Pauliukonytė, Miglė ; Chmieliauskas, Sigitas ; Berūkštis, Andrius ; Vasiljevaitė, Diana ; Banionis, Dalius ; Petreikis, Paulius ; Žurauskas, Edvardas ; Petroška, Donatas ; Stasiūnienė, Jurgita
DOI 10.1097/MD.0000000000044991
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Is Part of Medicine.. Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. 2025, vol. 104, iss. 40, art. no. e44991, p. [1-6].. ISSN 0025-7974. eISSN 1536-5964
Keywords [eng] autopsy ; forensic pathology ; lipomatous hypertrophy ; sudden cardiac death
Abstract [eng] Rationale: Lipomatous hypertrophy (LH) of the cardiac interatrial septum is a rare benign lesion of the heart, usually described as a nonencapsulated mass arising from the atrial septum, with common symptoms, such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and syncope. It is very important to detect LH as early as possible; however, this can be difficult due to the rarity of the condition. Patient concerns: Here, we report the unique case of a 60-year-old-man who was found to be unconscious in his car by a paramedic. The patient was declared dead after a preliminary diagnosis of unspecified sudden cardiac arrest. The patient had a history of heart disease and was referred several times by a cardiologist. Diagnoses: The final diagnosis of LH was made after autopsy. Interventions: Autopsy revealed LH of the cardiac interatrial septum, a soft, smooth mass 12 cm in length, up to 8 cm in width, and weighing 90 g. The interior of the mass was firm, nonelastic, and yellowish in color, with a few vessels. Histological examination confirmed adipose tissue proliferation and perivascular connective tissues between the cardiomyocytes and hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Outcomes: Despite comprehensive examinations, LH was not diagnosed prior to the patient’s death, which resulted in a sudden and unexpected fatal outcome. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the cause of death was determined postmortem through autopsy. Lessons: This case highlights the importance of considering LH as a potential etiology of sudden cardiac death, particularly in patients with known cardiac risk factors.
Published Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2025
CC license CC license description