NYMC Faculty Publications

Lipid Inclusions in Cardiac Myocytes - a Rare Case of Cardiolipotoxicity

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

Future Cardiology

First Page

293

Last Page

299

Document Type

Review Article

Publication Date

3-2021

Department

Medicine

Second Department

Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

Abstract

The heart oxidizes fatty acids for its energy production. The physiological balance between fatty acid uptake and its oxidation prevents lipid accumulation in cardiac myocytes. However, accumulation of lipids due to various processes such as obesity, diabetes, heart failure, myocardial ischemia or infarction can result in damage to the heart tissue, also known as cardiolipotoxicity. We present a unique case of a 69-year-old gentleman with a history of heart failure and ventricular tachycardia. Endomyocardial biopsy to assess for restrictive cardiomyopathy/amyloid showed no evidence of amyloid, significant inflammation or fibrosis, but did show intracellular accumulation of significant amorphous material in most cardiac myocytes. We review the literature regarding the pathogenesis of cardiolipotoxicity, which has no definite cause or treatment yet identified.

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