Ulcerated calcification of the interventricular septum causing transient ischemic attacks: case report.
Matthew Panagiotou1, Kostas Markakis, Nikolaos Mourtzis
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece. mspanag@otenet.gr
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
|April 19, 2007
Summary
Calcified intracavitary cardiac thrombi, though uncommon, are increasingly found during surgical ventricular restoration. Early detection and resection during coronary artery bypass surgery improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Pathology
Background:
- Calcific deposits are common at healed myocardial infarction sites.
- Calcified intracavitary cardiac thrombi are less common but increasingly identified during surgical ventricular restoration.
- These findings highlight complex post-infarction healing processes.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male with diabetes and triple-vessel coronary artery disease presented with transient ischemic attacks.
- Diagnostic workup revealed left ventricular dysfunction and wall motion abnormalities.
- During coronary artery bypass grafting and ventricular restoration, an ulcerated calcification with thrombus was found in the interventricular septum.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the calcified lesion with thrombus was performed.
- The defect was repaired using a Dacron patch.
- The patient experienced clinical improvement and enhanced ventricular function post-surgery.
Implications:
- Left ventricular cavity exploration during coronary artery bypass surgery is crucial for identifying potential thrombi.
- Suspected left ventricular thrombosis in patients with ventricular asynergy warrants surgical investigation.
- This approach can lead to improved patient outcomes and recovery.
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