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Right-sided heart thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism
Said B Iskandar1, Baha Shabaneh, Vipul R Brahmbhatt
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, USA.
Tennessee Medicine : Journal of the Tennessee Medical Association
|February 19, 2004
Summary
A patient successfully recovered from severe deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism using thrombolytics and heparin. Echocardiography confirmed resolution of right heart thromboemboli.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality.
- Right heart thromboemboli (RHTE) are a rare but serious complication of extensive venous thromboembolism.
- Echocardiography plays a crucial role in diagnosing and assessing the severity of PE and RHTE.
Observation:
- A patient presented with bilateral calf deep vein thrombosis.
- Hemodynamically significant pulmonary embolism was diagnosed.
- Echocardiography revealed right heart thromboemboli with a characteristic "popcorn" appearance.
Findings:
- The patient received treatment with thrombolytics and low molecular weight heparin.
- Clinical symptoms resolved following treatment.
- Echocardiographic abnormalities showed significant improvement, indicating resolution of right heart thromboemboli.
Implications:
- This case highlights the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation in managing extensive venous thromboembolism with RHTE.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to favorable outcomes and prevent further complications.
- The "popcorn" appearance on echocardiography may be a useful imaging marker for RHTE.