Diagnostic dilemma: Man’s autopsy reveals unexpected ‘boomerang-shaped’ structure in his heart
A 39-year-old man in the United States died following a fight that resulted in a stab wound puncturing a vein in his lungs. During autopsy, medical examiners discovered an unusual finding within his heart – a “boomerang-shaped, bony structure” approximately the size of a black bean.
A Rare Cardiac Discovery
The structure, identified as the os cordis – a “cardiac bone” – is rarely seen in humans. It was found near the atrioventricular node, which coordinates electrical signals between the heart’s chambers. The man also had an enlarged heart and moderate atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries leading to the heart.
The Os Cordis: Animal Origins and Recent Human Findings
The os cordis is commonly observed in animals, such as cows and camels, where it’s believed to support the heart valves. Recent research has begun to document its presence in primates. In 2020, a report examined 16 chimpanzee hearts, finding the os cordis in three, and linked its presence to heart-tissue scarring.
Also in 2020, Dr. Jorge Trainini, a cardiac surgeon and professor at the National University of Avellaneda in Argentina, described a similar structure, termed the “cardiac fulcrum,” in seven humans. He proposed it stabilizes heart muscles during pumping. Trainini has since investigated around 100 human hearts and suggests all humans may have a cardiac fulcrum.
Differing Perspectives on a Newly Recognized Structure
While Trainini believes the os cordis and cardiac fulcrum are the same, the authors of the recent case report disagree, noting the structure they found was made of bone. They acknowledge Trainini’s work but maintain their finding is distinct. However, the case report authors concur with Trainini that this structure may be more common in humans than previously thought, potentially going unnoticed during standard autopsies.
The case report authors suggest the formation of an os cordis may be linked to cardiac disease, as age and disease can influence its development in animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that lead to the heart.
What is the os cordis?
The os cordis is a “cardiac bone” rarely seen in humans, but commonly found in animals like cows and camels, where it is believed to support the heart valves.
What is the cardiac fulcrum?
The cardiac fulcrum is a similar structure to the os cordis, described by Dr. Jorge Trainini, and proposed to stabilize heart muscles during pumping.
As research continues, could a better understanding of structures like the os cordis lead to new insights into heart health and disease?