Intracardiac Thrombi in Preterm Infants-A Case Study and Review of the Literature

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Cardiology
• Pediatric Thrombosis
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Intracardiac thrombi in preterm infants are uncommon but associated with significant mortality.
• Risk factors include prematurity, central venous catheters, sepsis, and impaired fibrinolysis.
• These clots can lead to life-threatening embolic events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of successful aspiration thrombectomy for catheter-related right atrial thrombus in a preterm infant.
• To review the current literature on intracardiac thrombosis in preterm neonates.
• To discuss epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a preterm infant with a right atrial thrombus.
• Successful treatment with aspiration thrombectomy.
• Comprehensive literature review on intracardiac thrombosis in preterm infants.

Main Results:

• A catheter-related right atrial thrombus in a preterm infant was successfully treated with aspiration thrombectomy.
• Literature review highlights key risk factors and diagnostic features.
• Various treatment options are discussed, emphasizing the role of thrombectomy.

Conclusions:

• Aspiration thrombectomy can be an effective treatment for intracardiac thrombi in preterm infants.
• Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Further research is needed to optimize management strategies for neonatal thrombosis.