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A Case of Ball Valve Thrombus
S. Thanikachalam1, G. Sengottuvel, Susan George
1Department of Cardiology, Cardiac Care Centre, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|February 15, 2001
Summary
Ball valve thrombus, a rare cardiac condition, is often diagnosed postmortem. Echocardiography now allows for easier antemortem diagnosis, as seen in this surgical case.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Ball valve thrombus is an exceptionally rare cardiac pathology, frequently discovered postmortem.
- It is strongly associated with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis.
- Antemortem diagnosis was historically challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of ball valve thrombus diagnosed antemortem.
- To highlight the utility of echocardiography in diagnosing this rare condition.
- To present findings prior to surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography was employed for diagnosis.
- Transesophageal echocardiography, including 3D imaging, facilitated detailed visualization.
- Diagnosis was made during a routine preoperative examination.
Main Results:
- A ball valve thrombus was successfully diagnosed antemortem.
- The thrombus was identified in a patient with rheumatic mitral stenosis.
- The diagnosis was confirmed via echocardiographic imaging.
Conclusions:
- Antemortem diagnosis of ball valve thrombus is feasible with modern echocardiographic techniques.
- Echocardiography, particularly transesophageal and 3D imaging, is crucial for identifying this rare entity.
- This case underscores the importance of echocardiography in preoperative assessment for cardiac surgery.