Left atrial appendage thrombus in a term neonate with ventricular dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

• Left atrial appendage thrombosis is an uncommon condition in neonates.
• Nonspecific clinical findings can delay diagnosis in newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of left atrial appendage thrombosis in a neonate.
• To emphasize the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing neonatal heart failure.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a term neonate with poor feeding and gallop rhythm.
• Diagnostic evaluation included echocardiography.
• Treatment involved surgical excision of the thrombus.

Main Results:

• A large left atrial appendage thrombus and ventricular dysfunction were identified.
• Surgical excision led to rapid clinical improvement.
• Early echocardiographic assessment was key to diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Left atrial appendage thrombosis, though rare, should be considered in neonates with heart failure symptoms.
• Prompt echocardiographic evaluation and surgical intervention can result in favorable outcomes.