Irregular connexin43 expressed in a rare cardiac hamartoma containing adipose tissue in the crista terminalis

Virchows Arch. 2004 Apr;444(4):383-6. doi: 10.1007/s00428-003-0960-6. Epub 2004 Jan 27.

Abstract

Cardiac hamartomas are very rare and are demarcated masses of enlarged, hypertrophied, mature myocytes and collagen tissue. Cardiac hamartomas are generally circumscribed in the right ventricle or atrium, but not reported in the crista terminalis (CRT). The CRT is crucial in electrophysiology, is related to arrhythmogenesis, and is targeted by radiofrequency catheter procedures. Previous works only described the benign natures of prominent CRT using non-invasive methods. This study describes an unusual cardiac hamartoma originating from the CRT and extending toward the tricuspid valve. Microscopically, this hamartoma comprised dense collagen and adipose tissue, mixed with hypertrophy, but with disarrayed cardiomyocytes. An irregular gap junction, connexin43, was demonstrated in this cardiac hamartoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology*
  • Aged
  • Connexin 43 / biosynthesis*
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Hamartoma / metabolism
  • Hamartoma / pathology*
  • Heart Diseases / metabolism
  • Heart Diseases / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Confocal

Substances

  • Connexin 43