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[Thrombus or myxoma?]
Beata Kuśmierczyk-Droszcz1, Ewa Michalak, Jerzy Wołczyk
1Instytut Kardiologii, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warszawa. bkusmierczyk@ikard.pl
Insights
A 70-year-old female with atrial fibrillation and stroke history had a left atrial mass. Urgent surgery removed a large thrombus originating from the left atrial appendage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- A 70-year-old female patient presented with permanent atrial fibrillation and a history of stroke.
- These conditions increase the risk of thromboembolic events.
Observation:
- Echocardiography revealed an oval mass in the left atrium.
- The mass was suspected to be either a thrombus or an atrial myxoma.
Findings:
- The patient underwent urgent cardiac surgery.
- A long thrombus originating from the left atrial appendage was successfully identified and removed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of investigating cardiac masses in patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke.
- Surgical intervention can be effective in removing left atrial appendage thrombi, potentially reducing stroke risk.
Abstract:
A case of a 70 year old female with permanent atrial fibrillation and a history of stroke is presented. Echocardiography showed the presence of an oval mass in the left atrium which suggested thrombus or atrial myxoma. The patient underwent urgent cardiac surgery during which a long thrombus, originating from the left atrial appendage, was successfully removed.
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