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

Abstract

Pericardial lipomas are rare and mostly asymptomatic tumors, which are usually detected incidentally during physical examination. The present study describes a case of giant pericardial lipoma that was diagnosed by surgical pathology. The study also describe the X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and the distinguish of the pericardial lipomas. The study also describes the ultrasonography, X-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the tumor, and a review of the literature of cardiac lipoma, to help increase awareness of the tumor and selection of the correct imaging method for diagnosis.

Echocardiographical findings of giant cardiac lipoma

“…Compression or obstruction occurs only when the tumor is large, with symptoms such as chest discomfort, dyspnea, heart tightness, syncope, and so on. [4]…”

Multiple well‑differentiated cardiac liposarcoma with a concomitant myocardial lipoma: A case report

“…Tumours located near the valves may lead to valve regurgitation. Finally, myocardial lipomas that interfere with the conduction system can lead to arrhythmias ( 12 , 13 ). Our patient had a myocardial lipoma in the right atrium, and as a result, exhibited mild tricuspid valve regurgitation and heart murmur on physical examination.…”

“…On MRI, liposarcoma is often presented as primarily lipid signals with irregular mixed signal, and sometimes only present as a small number of soft tissue bands within the lipid signals. On enhanced CT and MRI, they often present as irregular enhancements ( 13 ). However, our patient presented with homogeneous adipose density or signal, and the well-differentiated liposarcoma in the pericardium only presented as a small number of bands with no definite enhancement observed.…”

Pericardial Constriction Caused by a Giant Lipoma

“…2 Patients remain asymptomatic for years, and the incidence of pericardial lipoma is not well known. Pericardial lipomas may be congenital and they could arise from intra or extracardiac fat.…”