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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
06:34
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Twenty-five-year-old man with a giant left ventricular mass
Polly A Moore1, Douglas S Segar
1Department of Cardiology, St Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Summary
A young man had a rare, large blood clot in his heart ventricle. This cardiac thrombus caused severe breathing problems and chest pain, mimicking lung disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a rare condition, often associated with reduced ejection fraction and impaired cardiac function.
- Subacute febrile illness can present with non-specific symptoms, complicating initial diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male presented with a month-long febrile illness, progressing to acute respiratory distress and chest pain.
- Initial assessment suggested an interstitial lung process.
- Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed a massive 7 x 3.25 cm left ventricular thrombus and previously undiagnosed cardiomyopathy.
Findings:
- The echocardiographic findings identified a large left ventricular thrombus as a critical cardiac abnormality.
- The patient's presentation mimicked pulmonary pathology, highlighting the importance of cardiac evaluation in atypical respiratory distress.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of considering cardiac causes, including left ventricular thrombus, in young patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms and fever.
- Early and accurate diagnosis via echocardiography is crucial for appropriate management and prevention of thromboembolic complications.
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