Epipericardial fat necrosis as a differential diagnosis of acute chest pain: a case report and algorithm proposal for diagnostic approach

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2023 May 29:21:eRC0183. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023RC0183. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Chest pain is a frequent, potentially life-threatening condition in the emergency department and requires immediate investigation and treatment. This case report highlights a rare differential diagnosis of pleuritic chest pain: epipericardial fat necrosis. A 29-year-old man presented with normal clinical evaluation, electrocardiography, point-of-care ultrasound, and unremarkable laboratory tests. The initial hypothesis was acute pleuritis. Chest radiography revealed peri-cardiac nonspecific findings, and computed tomography revealed epicardial fat necrosis. Despite the rarity of this condition, accurate diagnosis allows for better practices. An algorithm for a diagnostic approach is proposed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chest Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Fat Necrosis* / diagnosis
  • Fat Necrosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ultrasonography