Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2025

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Calcified left ventricular aneurysm: Delayed thrombus formation leading to multiorgan thrombosis
Ahmed Elmi Abdi1, Can Baba Arin1,2, Shuayb Moalim Ali1,3
1Cardiology Department, Mogadishu Somali Türkiye Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia.
Insights
Delayed thrombus formation in a calcified left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) led to multi-organ thrombosis. Prompt diagnosis with imaging and anticoagulation treatment were crucial for successful management of this rare cardiovascular complication.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Left ventricular aneurysms (LVAs) following myocardial infarction can harbor thrombi, posing an embolic risk.
- Thromboembolic events from LVAs can lead to severe, multi-organ complications.
- Calcified LVAs represent a specific subset with potential for delayed thrombus formation.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with severe abdominal pain and confusion, without typical cardiac symptoms.
- Physical examination revealed bilateral leg edema and a significant cardiac murmur.
- Investigations showed signs of inflammation and evidence of prior myocardial infarction on ECG.
Findings:
- Echocardiography identified a large, calcified apical LVA with a mural thrombus and reduced ejection fraction.
- CT imaging confirmed the calcified LVA and revealed extensive thrombi in the superior mesenteric artery, mesenteric vein, splenic vein, and portal vein.
- The patient experienced multi-organ thrombosis secondary to embolization from the calcified LVA.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical importance of prompt diagnosis and management of delayed thrombus formation in calcified LVAs.
- Comprehensive imaging, including echocardiography and CT, is vital for diagnosing thromboembolic events, especially in resource-limited settings.
- Anticoagulation therapy proved effective in managing multi-organ thrombosis, preventing surgical intervention and improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
After a myocardial infarction, left ventricular aneurysms (LVAs) can form thrombus within the aneurysmal sac, which can then embolize and cause multi-organ thrombosis. This case demonstrates a rare occurrence of delayed thrombus formation in a calcified LVA, emphasizing the importance of prompt diagnosis and management. A 55-year-old male from rural Somalia arrived with severe abdominal pain and confusion. He had no chest pain and no relevant medical history. The examination revealed bilateral leg edema and a grade 4 systolic murmur. Laboratory results indicated elevated WBC (34 × 10⁹/L) and CRP (200 mg/L), while cardiac biomarkers were negative. ECG revealed a prior myocardial infarction with persistent ST-segment elevation. Echocardiography revealed a large apical LVA with a mural thrombus and a reduced ejection fraction (35%). CT scans confirmed the calcified aneurysm and revealed thrombi in the superior mesenteric artery, mesenteric vein, splenic vein, and portal vein. The patient's thrombus embolization from a calcified LVA caused multi-organ thrombosis, which was successfully treated with anticoagulation medication. The patient's response to conservative treatment and stable clinical progression prevented the need for surgery. This case emphasizes the value of anticoagulation in preventing additional complications and the significance of comprehensive imaging in diagnosing thromboembolic events. In settings with limited resources, a comprehensive diagnostic approach that includes CT imaging and echocardiography is crucial to determining the underlying causes of multiorgan thrombosis. When treating thromboembolic complications brought on by a calcified LVA, anticoagulation is important.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

