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[A case of tumor like RA thrombus]

T Minowa1, T Nakamura, T Shimanuki

  • 1Department of Surgery, Nihonkai Hospital, Yamagata, Japan.

Insights

A right atrial tumor in a 70-year-old man was found to be an organized bacterial thrombus. This cardiac mass was suspected to be caused by bacteremia from an intravenous catheter.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Right atrial masses can present diagnostic challenges.
  • Intravenous catheter use is associated with infectious complications.

Observation:

  • A 70-year-old male presented with ileus and was incidentally found to have a right atrial (RA) mass on abdominal echocardiography.
  • Further imaging (echocardiogram, CT, MRI) confirmed an RA mass attached to the interatrial septum via a stalk.

Findings:

  • Surgical resection of the RA mass was performed.
  • Pathological examination revealed an organized thrombus containing bacteria.
  • The likely source of bacteremia was an indwelling venous (IVH) catheter.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare cause of cardiac masses secondary to catheter-related bacteremia.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of cardiac masses are crucial.
  • Understanding the link between IVH catheters and cardiac thrombus formation is important for patient care.

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