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Lipomatous hamartoma of the interatrial septum
1Department of Pathological Sciences, University of Manchester, U.K.
Insights
Lipomatous hamartoma of the interatrial septum (LHIAS) is increasingly recognized. Autopsy cases show it can cause congestive cardiac failure or be an incidental finding, particularly in elderly, obese women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Cardiac Tumors
- Autopsy Studies
Background:
- Lipomatous hamartoma of the interatrial septum (LHIAS) is a rare cardiac tumor.
- Previously misclassified as a hypertrophic phenomenon, it is now understood as a hamartoma.
- Increasing recognition in both clinical and pathological practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on diagnosed cases of LHIAS.
- To describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of LHIAS.
- To highlight the diagnostic significance of LHIAS.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy examination of cardiac specimens.
- Histopathological analysis of diagnosed LHIAS.
- Review of clinical histories for associated conditions.
Main Results:
- Four cases of LHIAS diagnosed at autopsy.
- Three cases occurred in elderly women; two were morbidly obese.
- One case presented with congestive cardiac failure; others were incidental findings.
Conclusions:
- LHIAS is an increasingly identified condition.
- It can be associated with significant cardiac dysfunction or be asymptomatic.
- Accurate pathological classification as hamartomatous is crucial.
Abstract:
Four cases of lipomatous hamartoma of the interatrial septum (LHIAS) were diagnosed at autopsy, three in elderly women, two of whom were morbidly obese. One patient had signs of congestive cardiac failure, without other significant cardiopulmonary disease, which was thought to be a result of the interatrial lipomatous hamartoma, while in the others, the LHIAS was considered an incidental finding. This condition, previously considered a hypertrophic phenomenon, is now best described as hamartomatous, and is being recognized more frequently both by clinicians and pathologists.