Right heart failure due to ventricular adiposity: 'adipositas cordis'--an old diagnosis revisited

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pathology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Adiposity of the heart, characterized by increased epicardial and other adipose tissue, can affect cardiac structure and function.
• While often an incidental autopsy finding, significant adiposity can have clinical relevance.

Observation:

• The case involves a 46-year-old female presenting with multiorgan failure.
• Her condition was secondary to bronchopneumonia, purulent pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, and sepsis.

Findings:

• Severe adiposity of the heart, termed 'adipositas cordis', was identified as a significant contributing factor.
• The increased adipocytes, particularly noted in the right ventricle, may have interposed between myocytes, potentially impairing ventricular mechanics and function.

Implications:

• This case highlights that severe cardiac adiposity can alter the clinical course of patients with critical illnesses.
• Understanding the impact of adipositas cordis is crucial for comprehensive patient management in critical care settings.