Related Experiment Videos
Atrial thrombosis as a late complication of cardiac surgery computed tomography appearance
1Department of Radiology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Insights
Delayed postoperative intracardiac thrombosis can occur years after cardiac surgery. Computed tomography (CT) findings of homogeneous, non-enhancing masses, especially near surgical sites, aid diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Cardiac surgery can lead to delayed complications, including intracardiac thrombosis.
- Atrial thrombi are typically found in the atrial appendage, but can occur elsewhere.
Observation:
- Two cases of large atrial thrombi diagnosed years post-cardiac surgery are presented.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed homogeneous, non-enhancing masses in both cases.
- One thrombus was adjacent to a surgical repair site; neither was in the atrial appendage.
Findings:
- Delayed postoperative intracardiac thrombosis can manifest as large, atypical atrial masses.
- CT characteristics include homogeneous, non-enhancing appearance.
- Location may differ from typical atrial appendage thrombi.
Implications:
- Recognition of delayed intracardiac thrombosis relies on integrating clinical history with CT findings.
- This diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management after cardiac surgery.
- Understanding atypical thrombus locations improves diagnostic accuracy.
Abstract:
We present two cases of large atrial thrombi diagnosed many years after cardiac surgery. In both cases, CT showed homogeneous non-enhancing masses. In one case the mass was immediately adjacent to an area of surgical repair; neither thrombus was in the atrial appendage, a more common location for thrombosis. The combination of appropriate clinical history and CT appearance should permit recognition of delayed postoperative intracardiac thrombosis.