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[A successful removal of a left atrial massive ball thrombus caused by mitral stenosis]
1First Department of Surgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine.
Insights
A large left atrial ball thrombus in a patient with mitral stenosis was surgically removed. Prompt removal of such thrombi is crucial to prevent embolism and sudden death.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Mitral stenosis is a common valvular heart disease.
- Left atrial thrombi can lead to severe complications such as stroke.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old female presented with transient hemiplegia and speech disturbance.
- Preoperative echocardiography and left atriography revealed a massive left atrial ball thrombus.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful mitral valve replacement with a Björk-Shiley valve and thrombus removal.
- The excised thrombus measured 55 x 35 x 32 mm and weighed 15 g.
Implications:
- Left atrial ball thrombi pose a significant risk of peripheral embolism and sudden cardiac death.
- Immediate surgical intervention for left atrial ball thrombi is recommended to improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
A 66-year-old female with a mitral stenosis and a left atrial massive ball thrombus is presented. She was admitted due to a transient right hemiplegia and a speech disturbance. This thrombus had been detected preoperatively by an echocardiogram and a left atriography. A mitral valve replacement using a Björk-Shiley valve 27 mm, accompanied with the removal of the thrombus was performed. The ball thrombus was dark red, 55 x 35 x 32 mm in size and 15 g in weight. After the surgery, the patient progressed well. Because of the high frequency of peripheral embolism and of sudden death, a left atrial ball thrombus should be removed immediately.