Doppler echocardiography in massive left atrial thrombus before and after successful thrombolysis

A 65-year-old female, presenting 32 weeks after mitral valve replacement with malaise and weight loss, was found to have a massive left atrial thrombus. She was treated successfully with streptokinase 1,000,000 units followed by anticoagulation with heparin then warfarin. The Doppler ultrasound recordings of left ventricular inflow were biphasic on admission but had resumed a normal appearance 11 days afterwards when clot retraction had occurred. We suggest that thrombolysis should be considered as alternative therapy in patients thought too frail for surgery.