A Ball Valve Thrombus in a Young Obese Male With Hyperlipidemia

Dibyasundar Mahanta1, Debasish Das1, Debasis Acharya1

  • 1Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, IND.

Cureus
|October 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A rare ball valve thrombus formed in the left atrium of an obese patient due to dyslipidemia. This case highlights a novel cause for this cardiac condition, distinct from typical rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Ball valve thrombus is a recognized complication, commonly associated with rheumatic mitral stenosis.
  • It can also occur in patients post-mitral valve replacement, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and rarely as left atrial myxoma.
  • Right atrial thrombi have been noted in intensive care and cancer patients.

Observation:

  • The study presents an exceptionally rare instance of a ball valve thrombus.
  • This thrombus was found in the left atrium of an obese individual.
  • Dyslipidemia was identified as the exclusive causative factor.

Findings:

  • The thrombus detached, obstructing mitral inflow and causing pulmonary edema.
  • Potential left ventricular outflow tract obstruction leading to syncope was observed.
  • Cerebral embolism resulting in hemiplegia was a noted consequence.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known etiology of ball valve thrombus formation.
  • It underscores the significant role of dyslipidemia in cardiac thrombus development.
  • Highlights the need for considering metabolic factors in unexplained cardiac events.

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
12
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
10
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
171
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
10
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
13
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
565