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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
Right atrial thrombus secondary to pacemaker wires
Alexander C Feuchter1, Kenneth D Katz
1University of Pittsburgh Affiliated Residency in Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Background:
Pacemaker-induced right atrial thrombus is a rare condition that has not been described in the Emergency Medicine literature. This is a potentially fatal condition that is diagnosed with an echocardiogram and treated with surgical removal, thrombolytics, or long-term anticoagulation.
Objectives:
This case report is designed to increase awareness among emergency physicians of this potentially fatal condition.
Case Report:
We describe the case of a patient with a massive right atrial thrombus secondary to pacemaker wire who presented to the Emergency Department with syncope, bradycardia, and rapid hemodynamic deterioration.
Conclusion:
Emergency physicians should be aware of this life-threatening entity. Emergency bedside cardiac ultrasound or echocardiogram may be of value in its early identification.
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