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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Use of 64-multislice computed tomography for detection of coronary thrombosis
Maria Alberta Cattabiani1, Annachiara Aldrovandi, Giuseppe Talanas
1Cardiology Unit, Italy. macattabiani@ao.pr.it
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) aids in detecting coronary thrombosis within coronary artery ectasias. This case highlights CT
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a condition involving abnormal widening of coronary arteries.
- Limited data exists on using computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing coronary thrombosis in CAE patients.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male presented with prolonged chest pain and syncope.
- Coronary angiography revealed diffuse coronary artery ectasia, notably in the right coronary artery.
Findings:
- Contrast-enhanced cardiac 64-slice CT identified an intraluminal thrombus in the distal right coronary artery.
- CT provided complementary diagnostic information to coronary angiography.
Implications:
- Cardiac CT can play a valuable role in diagnosing coronary thrombosis in patients with coronary artery ectasia.
- This case underscores the utility of advanced imaging in managing complex coronary artery disease.
Abstract:
Until now only few data have been published regarding the role of computed tomography for the detection of coronary thrombosis in coronary artery ectasias. We report the case of a 49-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital for prolonged chest pain followed by syncope. An early coronary angiography, performed after electrocardiography, the evaluation of cardiac enzymes and echocardiography, was carried out and revealed a diffuse coronary artery ectasia, involving particularly the right coronary artery. In addition, the following day the patient underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac 64-slice computed tomography, which revealed the presence of an intraluminal thrombus in the distal tract of the right coronary artery. Therefore, he was put on anticoagulant therapy and was discharged 2 days later. In conclusion, in this case, computed tomography played an additional and complementary role to coronary angiography.
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