A Rare Case of Left Ventricular Thrombus in a Normal Heart in a Patient With Factor V Leiden Disease

Rupesh Kshetri1, Pragya Pathak2, Prasanna Sugathan3

  • 1Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA.

Cureus
|September 18, 2024
PubMed

Insights

A left ventricular thrombus (LVT) was found in a patient with Factor V Leiden (FVL) disease, highlighting the need for anticoagulation. Early diagnosis and treatment of cardiac thrombosis are crucial for reducing complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is often linked to myocardial infarction and reduced ejection fraction.
  • Hypercoagulable states, including Factor V Leiden (FVL) disease, also increase LVT risk.
  • FVL disease elevates the risk of thromboembolism, such as pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.

Observation:

  • A 60-year-old female with a history of heterozygous FVL and deep vein thrombosis presented with neurological and cardiac symptoms.
  • Brain CT ruled out stroke; EKG showed sinus rhythm with T-wave inversion; troponin was mildly elevated.
  • Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a left ventricular mass causing outflow tract obstruction, despite normal ventricular function.

Findings:

  • Surgical intervention confirmed the left ventricular mass as a thrombus.
  • A normal-sized and functional left ventricle does not exclude the possibility of LVT.
  • This case underscores the potential for LVT in patients with hypercoagulable conditions like FVL.

Implications:

  • Long-term anticoagulation may prevent recurrent thromboembolic events in FVL patients with additional risk factors.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of cardiac thrombosis can significantly reduce patient morbidity and mortality.
  • Consideration of LVT in patients with unexplained neurological or cardiac symptoms and hypercoagulable states is essential.