cardiac lipoma
A benign primary cardiac tumor composed of mature adipose tissue, most commonly located in the atrial septum or epicardium.
Full Definition
Cardiac lipomas are rare benign primary cardiac tumors consisting of mature adipose tissue. They represent approximately 10% of primary cardiac tumors and typically occur in middle-aged adults. The most common locations include the atrial septum, epicardial surface, and occasionally the ventricular walls. Histologically, they are indistinguishable from lipomas elsewhere in the body, showing mature adipocytes without atypia. Large lesions may cause mechanical obstruction or arrhythmias. The diagnosis is often suggested by characteristic imaging findings showing fat-density tissue.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from lipomatous hypertrophy of the atrial septum.
In Context
- "The resected specimen showed a well-circumscribed cardiac lipoma composed entirely of mature adipose tissue." — surgical pathology report
- "Echocardiography demonstrated a large cardiac lipoma causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction." — imaging report