A case report of successful subtotal resection giant right atrial lipoma avoiding heart transplantation

BACKGROUND: Primary cardiac tumors are rare, with lipomas accounting for approximately 8–10% of benign neoplasms. They can arise in any chamber or layer of the heart; however, large lipomas, especially in the right atrium, are very uncommon and cause significant clinical complications. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a 37-year-old male with a giant right atrial lipoma measuring 17 × 10 × 14 cm (weighing 910 g), which caused symptoms of heart failure. After thorough evaluation and considering preserved ventricular function, a subtotal surgical resection of the tumor with atrial wall reconstruction was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful, the patient recovered well, and no recurrence was detected at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the effectiveness of subtotal resection of large benign tumors as an alternative to heart transplantation.