Rapid disappearance of left ventricular mass (presumed thrombus) in a patient with cardiomyopathy

British Heart Journal
|March 1, 1982
PubMed

Insights

A left ventricular thrombus resolved spontaneously in a patient with cardiomyopathy and liver insufficiency. Increased fibrinolysis, potentially aided by heparin, is the likely cause, not embolization.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Cardiomyopathy and hepatic insufficiency present complex clinical challenges.
  • Left ventricular thrombus formation is a known complication in certain cardiac conditions.

Observation:

  • A 41-year-old male with diagnosed cardiomyopathy and hepatic insufficiency presented with a left ventricular mass on angiocardiography, presumed to be a thrombus.
  • A follow-up angiocardiogram five days later revealed complete resolution of the thrombus.

Findings:

  • The spontaneous disappearance of the left ventricular thrombus suggests a hyperfibrinolytic state.
  • This is consistent with fibrinolysis observed in patients with liver cirrhosis, possibly augmented by heparin therapy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for spontaneous thrombus resolution in the left ventricle under specific physiological conditions.
  • Understanding the role of fibrinolysis in such cases may inform future therapeutic strategies for cardiac thrombi.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of spontaneous thrombus resolution could offer novel insights into anticoagulation and thrombolysis.

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