Intracardiac thrombi in children: A decade of experience at a tertiary care hospital

Intracardiac thrombus (ICT) in children is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, particularly among hospitalized patients. Pediatric-specific data on ICT remain scarce, posing challenges for optimal, evidence-based management. This study aimed to analyze pediatric ICT cases over a decade to identify clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes.

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral center and included all pediatric patients (ages 0-18) diagnosed with ICT between 2012 and 2023. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from electronic medical records, following IRB approval.

Twenty-three children were identified (median age: 39 months; 52% female). Major risk factors included central venous catheters (60.9%), congenital or acquired heart disease (52.2%), and malignancy (34.8%). Most thrombi (78.3%) were right-sided. ICT was incidentally diagnosed in 56.5% of cases; in others, symptoms led to imaging via echocardiography, CT, or cardiac catheterization.

Anticoagulation therapy was initiated in 87% of patients. Eight required indefinite treatment due to persistent thrombi or ongoing risk factors, while others received a median therapy duration of four months. Three patients did not receive anticoagulation due to clinical considerations. Surgical thrombectomy was performed in four cases (17.4%), and one patient underwent catheter-based thrombolysis. There were no major bleeding events. Complete thrombus resolution was achieved in 60.9% of cases, with partial improvement in 26.1%.

ICT in children is associated with identifiable risk factors and is commonly managed with anticoagulation. Surgical or interventional procedures may be needed in select cases. Early identification of high-risk patients is essential to improve outcomes.