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Ectopic epipericardial fat necrosis: a case report.
Ryusei Yoshino1, Masaki Nakatsubo2, Nanami Ujiie2
1Department of Thoracic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Respiratory Center, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital, 2-1-1-1 Midorigaoka Higashi, Asahikawa-Shi, Hokkaido, 078-8510, Japan. ryusei.0628.ppp@gmail.com.
Surgical Case Reports
|March 7, 2024
Summary
Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare condition. This case highlights surgical resection as a key diagnostic and treatment tool for EFN, especially when presenting as an extrapulmonary tumor.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the adipose tissue around the heart.
- Few reported cases involve surgical resection for EFN.
- This report details an EFN case initially suspected as an extrapulmonary tumor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of Epipericardial Fat Necrosis (EFN) initially misdiagnosed as an extrapulmonary tumor.
- To emphasize the role of surgical resection in diagnosing and treating EFN.
- To highlight imaging modalities for preoperative assessment.
Main Methods:
- A 75-year-old male presented with fever and chest pain.
- Imaging studies including CT and MRI revealed a mediastinal mass contiguous with pericardial fat.
- Surgical resection of the mass was performed, with histopathological examination confirming EFN.
Main Results:
- Postoperative histopathological examination confirmed Epipericardial Fat Necrosis (EFN).
- The patient underwent surgical resection of the mass and partial lung resection.
- No recurrence was reported at one year post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- EFN should be considered in the differential diagnosis of extrapulmonary tumors with pericardial continuity.
- Surgical resection is effective for both diagnosis and treatment of EFN.
- Preoperative imaging, including MRI and 3D reconstruction, is crucial for safe tumor removal.
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