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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.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 27, 2010
Summary
Pacemaker-induced right atrial thrombus is a rare, life-threatening condition. Early identification via echocardiogram is crucial for emergency physicians managing patients with syncope and hemodynamic instability.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Pacemaker-induced right atrial thrombus is a rare but potentially fatal condition.
- This entity has not been previously described in Emergency Medicine literature.
Observation:
- A patient presented with syncope, bradycardia, and rapid hemodynamic deterioration.
- A massive right atrial thrombus secondary to a pacemaker wire was identified.
Findings:
- Echocardiography is essential for diagnosing right atrial thrombus.
- Treatment options include surgical removal, thrombolytics, or long-term anticoagulation.
Implications:
- Emergency physicians must be aware of this life-threatening condition.
- Emergency bedside cardiac ultrasound can aid in early diagnosis.
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