What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Lipoma of Heart

What is Cardiac Lipoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Cardiac Lipoma is a rare benign tumor that is mostly seen in the pericardium and epicardium of the heart. Lipomas are very common tumors of fat tissues (adipose tissues)
• They are observed in both children and adults. A Cardiac Lipoma may occur in any part of the heart. A majority of the tumors may be asymptomatic and are only incidentally discovered
• In tumors with signs and symptoms, arrhythmias, fainting, and in rare cases, blood flow obstruction may be observed. The diagnosis of Cardiac Lipoma is often difficult to establish and it may be confused with other heart tumor types
• No treatment is required in most cases; though a complete surgical excision may be performed, if required. The prognosis of Cardiac Lipoma is generally excellent with or without surgery
• Recurrence of Cardiac Lipoma may be occasionally observed following their surgical removal

Who gets Cardiac Lipoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• About 10% of the primary tumors of heart are Cardiac Lipomas. The tumor is reported to be observed in 1 in 10,000 autopsies. Of the tumors that are surgically removed, in between 1 in 35 to 1 in 200 heart tumors are reported to be lipomas
• The tumors occur both in children and adults (mostly in adults); less than 2% of childhood heart tumors are Cardiac Lipomas
• Both males and females are affected
• No racial or ethnic preference is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Cardiac Lipoma? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors are noted for the development of Cardiac Lipoma

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Cardiac Lipoma? (Etiology)

The exact cause and mechanism of formation of Cardiac Lipoma is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Lipoma?

The signs and symptoms of Cardiac Lipoma are based on the location of the tumor in the heart. In many cases, there may not be any presenting signs and symptoms. In such cases, the tumors may be discovered incidentally.

The signs and symptoms of Lipoma of Heart may include:

• Severe arrhythmias
• Dizziness and fainting
• Blood flow obstruction, especially into or out of the valves, in rare cases
• Bluish skin (cyanosis)
• The tumors are well-circumscribed and mostly spherical in shape
• The lipomas may occur anywhere in the heart, but are commonly noticed in the pericardium and epicardium (inner layer); the tumors grow to large sizes at these locations
• Other locations where the lipoma occurs in the heart include the valves (the tumor is known as fibrolipoma at this location), and on the wall separating the left and right ventricles (ventricular septum)
• Other obstructive symptoms may be present

How is Cardiac Lipoma Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Cardiac Lipoma is stated to be difficult. The following tools may be used towards establishing a diagnosis:

• Complete evaluation of family (medical) history, along with a thorough physical examination; including examination of the heart, with special emphasis to signs such as abnormal heart sounds
• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): It is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart, to detect arrhythmias. Abnormalities in the ECG may be observed
• Electrophysiological studies of the heart to determine where arrhythmia is getting generated in the heart is often helpful
• MRI scan and CT scan of the heart: These imaging studies can indicate if the tumor is a lipoma or not, and one may be able to mark a strong suspicion of Cardiac Lipoma
• Doppler ultrasound: Sound waves are used to measure the speed and direction of blood flow
• Tissue biopsy of the tumor:
  • A biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
  • Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
  • Sometimes, the pathologist may perform additional studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains and molecular studies to assist in the diagnosis

Note: Most tumors are discovered incidentally, while a medical exam is being performed for other health conditions.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Cardiac Lipoma?

Complications due to Cardiac Lipoma could include:

• Valve function may be affected severely leading to heart failure
• Recurrence of the tumor after surgery, in rare cases (if surgery does not entirely remove the tumor)

How is Cardiac Lipoma Treated?

The treatment measures for Cardiac Lipoma may include the following:

• In most of the individuals with no signs and symptoms, no treatment may be necessary
• Complete surgical excision of lipoma is the treatment of choice, if the individuals have significant signs and symptoms

How can Cardiac Lipoma be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a way of preventing the formation of Cardiac Lipoma.

What is the Prognosis of Cardiac Lipoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Cardiac Lipoma is excellent through complete excision of the fat tissue tumor. It is a benign tumor and no treatment may be necessary in many cases
• The tumor may recur, if it is incompletely removed

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Cardiac Lipoma:

• Lipomas are very common benign tumors of fat tissues (adipose tissues)

The following article link will help you understand lipoma:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/lipoma/