Ultrasonographic Findings of Epipericardial Fat Necrosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is an infrequent cause of acute chest pain. In rare cases like these, conservative treatment is necessary. Clinically, EFN may mimic emergent cardiopulmonary conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of EFN is well described as encapsulated fatty lesion with perilesional soft tissue strands and thickening of adjacent pericardium in the epipericardial area. For confirmation of the diagnosis, involution of this lesion on follow-up is important. We present a case of EFN observed with ultrasonography (USG). This lesion was shown as a well-defined ovoid shaped mass with heterogeneous echogenicity in the left side of cardiophrenic space on USG. There was no color flow on Doppler USG. Follow-up USG and CT revealed decrease in the size of the lesion.

Keywords

• fat necrosis
• mediastinum
• pericardium
• ultrasonography
• doppler