Various findings of cardiac thrombi on MDCT and MRI

Dong Hun Kim1, Sang Il Choi, Jung-Ah Choi

  • 1Department of Radiology, Chosun University, College of Medicine, Korea.

Insights

Peripheral emboli indicate potential cardiac thrombus, a clot within the heart. This study details imaging features of cardiac thrombus using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Peripheral emboli suggest an underlying cardiac source, necessitating cardiac evaluation.
  • Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool, but advanced imaging offers complementary insights.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To illustrate the diverse appearances of cardiac thrombus on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • To highlight specific CT and MRI findings associated with various cardiac thrombus presentations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of CT and MRI scans demonstrating cardiac thrombus.
  • Correlation of imaging findings with clinical contexts such as myocardial infarction and mitral stenosis.

Main Results:

  • Demonstration of mural thrombus post-myocardial infarction.
  • Identification of left atrial appendage thrombus in mitral stenosis.
  • Examples of thrombus-mimicking lesions, including calcified thrombus and moderator band abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • CT and MRI are valuable for characterizing cardiac thrombus and differentiating it from other cardiac masses.
  • Recognizing specific imaging patterns aids in accurate diagnosis and management of cardiac thrombus.

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