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[Left atrial ball thrombus]
1Cardiological Services, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheba.
Harefuah
|July 1, 1997
Insights
A large left atrial ball thrombus caused recurrent syncope in an elderly woman with hypertension and chronic atrial fibrillation. Surgical findings confirmed this cardiac mass, highlighting a critical diagnosis for heart patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Elderly patients with hypertension and chronic atrial fibrillation are at increased risk for thromboembolic events.
- Recurrent syncope can be a challenging symptom to diagnose in older adults.
- Left atrial masses require prompt and accurate identification.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old female patient presented with recurrent episodes of syncope.
- The patient had a history of hypertension and chronic atrial fibrillation.
- Echocardiography identified a significant left atrial ball thrombus.
Findings:
- Operative findings corroborated the echocardiographic diagnosis of a large left atrial thrombus.
- The cardiac mass was confirmed during surgical exploration.
- The thrombus was the likely cause of the patient's syncopal episodes.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing cardiac masses causing syncope.
- Prompt surgical intervention may be necessary for large left atrial thrombi.
- Effective management of atrial fibrillation and hypertension is crucial in preventing such complications.
Abstract:
An 80-year-old hypertensive woman with chronic atrial fibrillation was hospitalized because of recurrent syncope. Echocardiography revealed a large left atrial ball thrombus. Operative findings confirmed the echocardiographic diagnosis.