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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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[Thrombus in the left atrium -- is it always treated properly?]

Hanna Bachórzewska-Gajewska1, Aleksandra Serwicka, Bozena Sobkowicz

  • 1Zakład Kardiologii Inwazyjnej, Samodzielny Publiczny Szpital Kliniczny AM, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Białystok.

Kardiologia Polska
|April 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A large calcified mass, identified as a thrombus, was found in the left atrium of a 61-year-old female with mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation. This case highlights the importance of anticoagulation in managing such cardiac conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Pathology

Background:

  • A 61-year-old female presented with a history of stroke, mitral stenosis, and atrial fibrillation.
  • The patient underwent mitral commissurotomy eight years after initial diagnosis.

Observation:

  • Preoperative chest X-ray revealed a large calcified mass within the left atrium.
  • During mitral valve replacement surgery, this mass was surgically removed.

Findings:

  • The excised mass was pathologically identified as a calcified thrombus.
  • Anticoagulation therapy was initiated only shortly before the surgical procedure, despite significant risk factors.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for significant thrombus formation in patients with mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation.
  • Timely and appropriate anticoagulation is crucial for preventing thromboembolic events in patients with these cardiac conditions.

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