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EPIPERICARDIAL FAT NECROSIS
Yumi Otaka1, Yukinori Harada1, Ren Kawamura1
1Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|March 27, 2023
Summary
Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare cause of chest pain, often misdiagnosed. Characteristic CT findings aid diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary procedures and reassuring patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare, benign condition causing acute chest pain.
- It is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary investigations.
- Prompt diagnosis is crucial for patient reassurance and avoiding invasive procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic features of EFN.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis in acute chest pain management.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a young woman with acute chest pain.
- Diagnostic imaging using chest computed tomography (CT).
- Clinical assessment and treatment response.
Main Results:
- Chest CT revealed a characteristic epipericardial fatty lesion.
- EFN was diagnosed, and symptoms resolved with conservative treatment.
- Follow-up CT showed complete resolution of the lesion.
Conclusions:
- EFN presents with acute pleural chest pain.
- Characteristic CT findings are key for diagnosis.
- Accurate diagnosis of EFN avoids unnecessary invasive investigations and reassures patients.
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