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Right atrial appendage thrombus with atrial infarct in a case of thyrotoxicosis: an autopsy report

D N Lanjewar1, Sushma Ramraje, Sonali D Lanjewar

  • 1Sir J J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, India.

Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|August 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hyperthyroidism can lead to atrial fibrillation and rare right atrial appendage thrombus. This case highlights a young woman experiencing this complication, emphasizing the need for vigilance in managing thyroid dysfunction and its cardiac effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Thrombosis

Background:

  • Thyrotoxicosis, a state of excess thyroid hormones, is known to affect cardiac function.
  • Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with hyperthyroidism.
  • Systemic embolism, particularly cerebral embolism, is a significant risk of atrial fibrillation.

Observation:

  • A 30-year-old female patient with hyperthyroidism developed atrial fibrillation.
  • The patient subsequently formed a thrombus in her right atrial appendage.
  • This thrombus led to infarction of the right atrial appendage.

Findings:

  • Right atrial appendage thrombus formation is a rare complication of atrial fibrillation.
  • This case presents a unique instance of this rare phenomenon in a young patient.
  • The thrombus resulted in tissue damage (infarction) of the atrial appendage.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for severe cardiac complications in hyperthyroidism beyond typical arrhythmias.
  • It highlights the importance of monitoring for thromboembolic events in patients with hyperthyroidism and atrial fibrillation.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the specific mechanisms leading to right atrial appendage thrombus in this population.

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