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[An idiopathic floating left-ventricular thrombus]
T Wohlfarter1, T Hopferwieser, H Schwaighofer
1Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Innsbruck.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|May 24, 1991
Summary
A patient experienced leg pain after appendectomy due to a left ventricular thrombus causing arterial embolism. Systemic thrombolysis successfully dissolved the clot, resolving symptoms and preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Appendectomy can rarely lead to embolic events.
- Left ventricular thrombus is a potential source of systemic emboli.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old man presented with calf pain and absent arterial pulses post-appendectomy.
- Angiography confirmed embolic occlusion of the left superior femoral artery.
- Echocardiography revealed a pedunculated left ventricular thrombus.
Findings:
- Successful surgical embolectomy and anticoagulation were initiated.
- Systemic thrombolysis with streptokinase and ancrod was required to resolve the ventricular thrombus.
- The thrombus completely disappeared within two weeks, and the patient remained symptom-free.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of investigating cardiac sources for peripheral arterial embolism.
- Systemic thrombolysis can be an effective treatment for large, mobile left ventricular thrombi.
- Early diagnosis and combined therapeutic approaches are crucial for managing embolic complications.