Right heart thrombus: recognition, diagnosis and management

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Right heart thrombus is a rare but serious condition.
• Understanding its presentation and management is crucial for patient outcomes.

Observation:

• Five patients with right heart thrombus were studied.
• Two presentations were identified: complication of peripheral venous thrombosis or myocarditis.
• Echocardiography was key in diagnosis and assessing cardiac dysfunction.

Findings:

• Right heart thrombus associated with pulmonary thromboembolism caused obstruction in four patients.
• In one patient, myocarditis led to heart failure and obstruction.
• Surgical thrombus removal and anticoagulation were successful in three patients.
• One patient responded well to anticoagulation alone.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical intervention or anticoagulation, can improve outcomes.
• Right heart thrombus requires prompt attention due to potential for severe complications.