A case of prominent epicardial fat mimicking a tumor on echocardiography

J Korean Med Sci. 1999 Oct;14(5):571-4. doi: 10.3346/jkms.1999.14.5.571.

Abstract

Epicardial fat may anteriorly produce an echo-free space that can be mistaken for pericardial fluid. We recently experienced a 67-year-old woman with prominent epicardial fat which was presented as an echogenic tumor-like mass. She underwent open pericardiostomy to relieve large amount of pericardial effusion. Operative findings revealed only prominent epicardial fat. Biopsy of the pericardial and fat tissues revealed an inflammation and normal fat cells without any malignant cell infiltration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Pericardium / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pericardium / pathology
  • Radiography