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Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Left atrial thrombus: a case report
1Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ilfov Clinical Hospital, Internal Medicine Department, Bucharest Romania. camiluciemi@yahoo.com
Journal of Medicine and Life
|April 20, 2012
Summary
A left atrial mass initially suspected to be a myxoma resolved with anticoagulation, suggesting it was a thrombus. This case highlights the importance of considering thrombi in atrial masses, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing cardiac masses.
- Differentiating between myxomas and thrombi is critical for treatment decisions.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old female with atrial fibrillation and heart failure presented with palpitations, dyspnea, and epistaxis.
- Echocardiography revealed a mobile, heterogeneous mass in the left atrium attached to the interatrial septum.
Findings:
- Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the intra-atrial mass.
- Following anticoagulation therapy for epistaxis, repeat echocardiography showed no residual mass.
- The mass was presumed to be a left atrial thrombus, likely secondary to atrial fibrillation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for left atrial thrombi to resolve with anticoagulation.
- It emphasizes the need to consider thrombus as a differential diagnosis for intra-atrial masses.
- Effective management of atrial fibrillation is crucial in preventing such complications.
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