Cardiac lipoma of the septum with systemic and pulmonary emboli

Cardiac lipoma is an uncommon tumor and is rarely a source of either lung or systemic emboli. A 46-year-old woman hospitalized because of left hemiplegia is presented. CT scan revealed a right temporo-parietal infarction. Chest x-ray showed a left lower lobe infiltrate. Pulmonary perfusion-ventilation scan indicated "high probability" of pulmonary embolism. Because brain and lung emboli are often associated, an echocardiogram was made and a 2 x 2 cm mass in the apical septum was found, confirmed by transesophageal echocardiogram. At operation a septal lipoma was resected. When pulmonary emboli occurs in association with systemic emboli, lipoma of the septum, although very rare, should be considered.