Giant Diaphragmatic Lipoma: Two Autopsy Case Reports and Review of the Literature. Issue 6 (10th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Margiotta, Gabriele; Carlini, Luigi; Carnevali, Eugenia; Lancia, Massimo; Gabbrielli, Mario; Bacci, Mauro
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 60:Issue 6(2015)
• Page Start: 1640
• Page End: 1643
• Publication Date: 2015-08-10
• Subjects: forensic science -- diaphragmatic lipoma -- forensic pathology -- giant intrathoracic lipoma -- differential diagnosis -- deep‐seated lipomas -- autopsy; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Lipomas are common benign tumors most frequently found within the subcutaneous areas of the body. Deep‐seated lipomas are rare and tend to be larger than cutaneous ones. Lipomas are rarely seen in the thoracic cavity, and they are usually located in the mediastinum, bronchiole, and lungs. Diaphragmatic lipomas have been occasionally reported in the literature, the first being described by Clark et al. in 1886. The authors report two rare cases of giant diaphragmatic lipoma incidentally found during forensic autopsies. In the first case, a Caucasian 85‐year‐old woman burned to death with another passenger, after her methane‐fueled car collided with another car on a highway near Terni, Umbria, Italy. In the second case, a Caucasian 45‐year‐old man collapsed while walking through the countryside of Perugia. In either case, a large mass in the thorax was observed. The definitive pathologic diagnosis was giant intrathoracic diaphragmatic lipoma without evidence of malignancy. The authors also review the relevant literature and discuss differential diagnoses. These case reports contribute to the establishment of the actual incidence of diaphragmatic lipomas.