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Updated: May 13, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Giant left atrium associated with massive thrombus formation
Ahmad K Darwazah1, Hamdy El Sayed
1Heliopolis Cardiac Center, 46 Nazeeh Khalefa St, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt. darwaz30@hotmail.com.
Thrombosis Journal
|March 5, 2013
Summary
Giant left atrium, a severe heart enlargement, was successfully treated in a 45-year-old female. The condition, linked to rheumatic mitral valve disease, involved a large thrombus requiring surgical removal and valve replacement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Giant left atrium (GLA) is defined by significant left atrial enlargement (diameter >65mm).
- Rheumatic heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease, is the most common etiology of GLA.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old female presented with symptoms attributed to rheumatic mitral stenosis.
- Imaging revealed a giant left atrium measuring 11 × 10 × 5 cm, containing a substantial 500g thrombus.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful mitral valve replacement surgery.
- A large left atrial thrombus was completely removed (thrombectomy) using an inverted T-shaped biatrial incision.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful surgical management of a rare giant left atrium with a massive thrombus.
- The inverted T-shaped biatrial incision facilitated complete thrombectomy and valve replacement, offering a viable surgical approach.
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