Atrial thrombosis: Not only left, think also about right!

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the general population. Systemic thromboembolism from left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis is a well-known complication of AF, whereas thromboembolic complications from a right atrial (RA) thrombus are infrequent. Nevertheless, the prevalence of RA thrombosis is debated; despite having a low prevalence in echocardiographic studies, the higher prevalence found in autoptic studies rises the hypothesis of an under detection of RA clots, possibly related to the limited evaluation of right atrial appendage (RAA) with non-invasive imaging. Here we present a review of the current literature about RA thrombosis, regarding its diagnosis, differentials, and best treatment options.

A rare case of Tetralogy of Fallot with right atrial thrombus presenting with hemiplegia complicating the clinical course.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular accidents represent a dangerous complication of cyanotic children with tetralogy of Fallot with the incidence of 8.6%. Tetralogy of Fallot has been associated with raised hematocrit with low arterial saturation. AIM: Here we describe an 18 months old female child of Tetralogy of Fallot with cyanotic spells acute onset right-sided hemiplegia with right atrial thrombus who underwent emergency surgery with the intraoperative predicament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A female child with Tetralogy of Fallot presented to emergency department with acute onset right sided hemiplegia. After hemodynamic stabilization the patient underwent series of investigations and was diagnosed to have thrombus of size in right atrium. DISCUSSION: Among the few causes causing neurological complications in Tetralogy and Fallot, right atrial thrombus appears to be a rare but possible cause. CONCLUSION: ntracardiac thrombus can be considered as a cause for embolic neurological events in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot.

Surgical retrieval of PICC-related right atrial thrombus in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used in cancer patients for administering chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and nutrients. PICC-related thrombi are not uncommon and may result in pulmonary embolism and the formation of thrombi in the right atrium. The latter are associated with an increased risk of subsequent morbidity or mortality because of their potential for embolization in the pulmonary vasculature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old male with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was admitted to our hospital after an echocardiographic examination revealed a ring-like structure in the right atrium that was still present after 6 months' anticoagulation treatment with aspirin. The boy had had a PICC inserted 2 years previously for chemotherapy; the PICC was intact and successfully removed 18 months after insertion when chemotherapy is finished. Subsequent computer tomography and radiography differentiated right atrial ring-shaped mass with a diameter of approximately 15 mm. Cardiac surgery was performed to remove the mass which was found to be a calcified thrombus. CONCLUSION: Although this is a rare occurrence, recognition of the possibility of a calcified thrombus may minimize the misdiagnosis of PICC-related thrombus and allow surgical retrieval if the thrombus is sufficiently large.

Saddle pulmonary embolism and thrombus-in-transit straddling the patent foramen ovale 28 days after COVID symptom onset.

We present a late presentation of saddle pulmonary embolism and thrombus-in-transit straddle the patent foramen on patient who successfully recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Seven days postdischarge (ie, 28 days after initial COVID-19 symptom onset), she was readmitted to hospital for severe dyspnea. Computer tomography angiogram and echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis. Severe pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic states with endothelial involvement have been reported associated with severe COVID-19 infection. However, the duration of hypercoagulable state has not yet known. This case highlights the risk of thromboembolic phenomena for prolonged periods of times after recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia.

Surgical management of catheter-related right atrial thrombus with superior vena cava syndrome A Case Report.

There are no consensus guidelines on the management of catheter-related right atrial thrombus. We present the case of a 29-year-old female with end-stage renal disease who was found to have a large right atrial thrombus associated with her tunneled dialysis catheter during preoperative workup for renal transplant. She exhibited signs and symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome and NYHA class III congestive heart failure. She was successfully treated with surgical thrombectomy and demonstrated rapid resolution of her symptoms postoperatively.

Giant congenital right atrial epithelioid-capillary hemangioma with prolonged QT interval: Case report and practical surgical treatment strategy for primary cardiac tumors in children based on 25-year review of 299 cases.

Cardiac hemangioma is very rare and accounts for 2%-3% of the primary cardiac tumors. Cardiac epitheloid-capillary hemangioma has not been reported in the pediatric population so far. We report the fatal outcome of a preterm neonate with a huge congenital right atrial epitheloid-capillary hemangioma and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein, associated with prolonged QT interval. We describe the echocardiographic, computed tomographic (CT) imaging, microscopic and immunohistochemical features of the tumor. Complete resection of the tumor was done at operation necessitating extensive reconstruction of atrial walls. Intramural infiltration of this tumor into the surrounding myocardial walls is a challenging characteristic of cardiac hemangioma. The temptation to complete resection should be avoided in the setting of extensive intramural infiltration and entrapment of the tumoral cells into atrial walls, particularly in a preterm neonate. None of the current classifications for hemangioma was inclusive of our case. Based on a concise literature review of nine published classification systems from 1996 to 2017 , we discuss the shortcomings of the current classifications for hemangioma. We also performed a 25-year-review of 299 cases of primary cardiac tumors in neonates and children, from 1993 to May 2018. We suggest a stepwise surgical treatment strategy according to the characteristics of the patient and of the tumor, based on this review. The stepwise strategy includes watchful observation, partial resection, complete resection and cardiac transplantation.

The role of percutaneous vacuum-assisted thrombectomy for intracardiac and intravascular pathology.

Vacuum-assisted thrombectomy (VAT) is a mechanical suction device that can be deployed to aspirate thrombi in the heart and vascular system. Successful percutaneous aspiration of iliocaval, right heart, and pulmonary arterial thrombi have been reported, in addition to the debulking of intravascular and intracardiac masses and vegetations. VAT is indicated for patients who are poor surgical candidates and/or have a contraindication to thrombolysis. This review discusses the mechanism, current results, potential clinical indications, and limitations of VAT for iliocaval and intracardiac mass removal.

Comparative efficacy of different modalities for treatment of right heart thrombi in transit: a pooled analysis.

The objective was to compare the efficacy of treatment options for right heart thrombi (RHT) in transit. All published reports between 1992 and 2013 were identified and pooled. We analyzed 328 patients with RHT and pulmonary embolism (PE). The treatments administered were none in 11 patients (3.4%), anticoagulation (AC) with heparin in 70 patients (21.3%), thrombolytics in 122 patients (37.2%), catheter-related treatments in five patients (1.5%) and surgical embolectomy in 120 patients (36.6%). The overall short-term mortality for the entire cohort was 23.2%. The mortality rate associated with no therapy was highest at 90.9%. The mortality associated with AC alone was significantly higher than surgical embolectomy or thrombolysis (37.1% vs 18.3% vs 13.7%, respectively). In univariate analysis, any therapy was better than no therapy with a favorable odds of 16.92 (95% CI 2.05-139.87) for AC, 61.76 (95% CI 7.42-513.81) for thrombolysis and 44.54 (95% CI 5.42-366.32) for surgical embolectomy. In multivariate analysis with age and hemodynamic status entered as covariates, thrombolytic therapy was better than AC with favorable odds of 4.83 (95% CI 1.52-15.36). Similarly, there was a trend in favor of surgical embolectomy with an odds of 2.61 (95% CI 0.90-7.58). The estimated probability of survival in hemodynamically unstable patients with AC, surgical embolectomy and thrombolysis was 47.7%, 70.45% and 81.5%, respectively. There was no significantly increased risk of complications with thrombolytic therapy. In conclusion, left untreated, patients with RHT and PE have very high mortality. Aggressive management with thrombolysis or surgical thrombectomy may be more effective than AC alone in the management of these patients.

Double trouble--a case report of mobile right atrial thrombus in the setting of acute pulmonary thromboembolism.

We report the case of a 51 year-old woman who, six weeks post hysterectomy, developed an acute on chronic pulmonary thromboembolism. On transthoracic echocardiography a mobile right atrial thrombus was detected at the entry of the coronary sinus into the right atrium. A 64 slice spiral CT angiogram confirmed the left sided superior vena cava and bilateral extensive thrombus in the proximal pulmonary arteries. Bilateral pulmonary endarterectomy, removal of atrial thrombus and ligation of the persistent left superior vena cava was performed which markedly improved the haemodynamic and functional status of the patient. The presence of right atrial thrombus in the setting of acute pulmonary embolism presents a unique therapeutic challenge which needs to be individualised based on a number of concomitant clinical factors.

Right Atrial Thrombus Masquerading as Myxoma.

Introduction: In-situ right atrial (RA) thrombus is a rare occurrence typically associated with heightened inflammatory or hypercoagulable states. Here, we present a case of in-situ RA thrombus mimicking atrial myxoma in a patient with sepsis and bacteraemia. Case description: A 41-year-old man presented with septic arthritis and bacteraemia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large pediculated mass resembling atrial myxoma, which was not visible on transthoracic echocardiography performed four days earlier. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging strongly suggested a thrombus, leading to the patient undergoing transcatheter aspiration. Subsequent pathology confirmed an organised fibrin thrombus without evidence of infection. Discussion: The patient's in-situ RA thrombus likely developed in response to a heightened inflammatory state associated with sepsis. Limited data exist on in-situ RA thrombi in the absence of atrial fibrillation, though some reports suggest a correlation between heightened inflammation and a hypercoagulable state. Conclusion: CMR imaging is invaluable for characterising such masses and can aid in distinguishing a thrombus from a myxoma. LEARNING POINTS: Differentiating right atrial (RA) thrombus from myxoma: cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is essential for distinguishing RA thrombus from myxoma, preventing unnecessary surgeries.Hypercoagulable and inflammatory states: spontaneous in-situ RA thrombi can occur without deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or atrial fibrillation, especially in hypercoagulable and inflammatory conditions.Transcatheter aspiration: this less invasive alternative to surgery is effective for large, mobile RA thrombi, reducing embolisation risk.

Successful tricuspid valve repair and right atrial mass excision for calcified thrombus causing severe tricuspid regurgitation and near-occlusion of inferior vena cava.

BACKGROUND: Calcified right atrial thrombus is rare and commonly occurs secondary to atrial fibrillation and long-term central venous catheterization which present risk for embolization. Treatment typically involves anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy but rarely surgical excision can be performed, especially in patients with venous obstruction or concomitant valvular dysfunction. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 69 year old symptomatic female with a history of atrial fibrillation and long-term venous catheterization found to have a large calcified right atrial thrombus causing inferior vena cava obstruction and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Patient underwent full median sternotomy with ascending arterial cannulation with superior vena cava and femoral venous cannulation. Intraoperatively, extensive right atrial calcified thrombus was found extending into the inferior vena cava and involving the septal portion of the tricuspid valve annulus causing regurgitation. The calcified thrombus was removed which resolved the inferior vena cava obstruction and the tricuspid valve was repaired by transecting septal leaflet chordae, commissuroplasty, and ring annuloplasty. Postoperative course was uncomplicated and pathology confirmed a calcified right atrial thrombus. At 6 month follow up, the patient was asymptomatic with echocardiogram showing no inferior vena cava stenosis and trivial tricuspid regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision of calcified right atrial thrombus is rare and is often indicated for symptomatic patients with extensive involvement causing venous inflow obstruction or valvular dysfunction. Sufficient preoperative imaging and a multi-disciplinary approach are essential for accurate diagnosis to guide targeted treatment. When the tricuspid valve is involved, repair is preferred over replacement in this patient population given their propensity for calcification and thrombus formation which may result in an increased risk of early bioprosthetic valve degeneration or mechanical valve thrombosis.

Hemodialysis Catheter-Associated Right Atrial Thrombus Diagnosed via Point of Care Transesophageal Echocardiogram.

Catheter-associated right atrial thrombus (CRAT) is a potential complication of central venous catheter placement and is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. The precise incidence of CRAT is unknown, and there is a lack of clear screening and management guidelines for this condition. Additionally, the diagnosis is often missed when using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) alone. Here, we present a case of a 64-year-old female admitted to the medical intensive care unit with multiorgan dysfunction who was diagnosed with hemodialysis catheter-associated right atrial thrombus (HDCRAT) via intensivist-performed point of care transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after an initial TTE was negative. This patient was successfully treated with systemic anticoagulation, local thrombolysis, and delayed removal of the temporary hemodialysis catheter. Our experience serves to highlight the improved visualization of the right atrium and the diagnostic superiority of HDCRAT with TEE. We suspect that with greater utilization of TEE among intensivists, CRAT and HDCRAT will have increased recognition. It is imperative that intensivists are aware of this complication and various management strategies. Still, more studies are needed to establish clear management guidelines for CRAT and the associated complications.

A Peculiar Case of Rapidly Recurring Metastasis of Malignant Non-small Cell Primary Lung Carcinoma to the Heart.

We report the case of a 64-year-old adult male with a rapidly recurring metastatic lung carcinoma in the right atrium of the heart. Advanced-stage lung carcinomas can metastasize to other organs such as the heart, bones, brain, liver, adrenal glands, and lymphatic system, although actual rates of metastasis to the heart are relatively quite low. This patient was diagnosed with a right atrial mass that was determined through pathology to be a result of an existing non-small cell lung carcinoma. This mass, despite resection, reappeared two weeks later at the same location and with a similar size to the previous metastatic tumor. This case highlights the importance of closely monitoring sites of resected tumors for potential regrowth and complications.

Acute right atrial thrombus formation after extracorporeal life support removal during LVAD-implantation.

A 58-year-old male underwent LVAD-Implantation after ECLS explantation. After removal of ECLS (A) transesophageal echocardiography revealed thrombus in the inferior vena cava (B) and right atrium (C). The thrombus was removed with a second pump run including RVAD-Implantation. (D) The diameter of thrombus formations was 6 × 1 cm and 5 × 1.5 cm.

A Rare Case of Right Atrial Thrombus in a Patient With Recurrent Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Patients with cancer are at risk for thrombotic complications due to a hypercoagulable state. However, the benefit of prophylactic anticoagulation is unclear in many subsets of these patients. For the first episode of acute thromboembolic disease (VTE) in patients with active cancer, anticoagulant therapy is administered for at least three to six months. Herein, we present a 31-year-old female with active, recurrent stage IIIa classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) (nodular sclerosis), previously treated for proximal upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), presenting for evaluation of shortness of breath and eventually diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE) secondary to a right atrial thrombus. The patient was successfully treated with surgical resection of the thrombus. With this case report, we hope to encourage physicians to use prophylactic indefinite anticoagulation in patients with active cancer and previous DVT, including patients with upper extremity DVT.

Free floating right atrial thrombus with massive pulmonary embolism:near catastrophic course following thrombolytic therapy.

A 28-year-old policeman presented with left lower limb deep vein thrombus, pulmonary embolism and a highly mobile right atrial clot. Thrombolytic therapy with IV Tenecteplase was administered. Within a few minutes after the Tenecteplase bolus, the patient's condition worsened dramatically with severe hypotension and hypoxemia. Immediate bedside transthoracic echocardiogram revealed that the mobile right atrium clot had disappeared completely presumably having migrated to the pulmonary circulation thus worsening the clinical condition. With intensive supportive measures the patient's condition was stabilized and he made a complete recovery. Prior to discharge, the echocardiogram revealed normal right ventricular function and a CT pulmonary angiogram performed after 2 months revealed near complete resolution of pulmonary thrombi. Thrombolytic therapy for right heart thrombus with pulmonary embolism can be a reasonable first line therapy but may be associated with hemodynamic worsening due to clot migration.

Acute pulmonary artery thromboembolism in presence of large mobile right atrial thrombus and severe thrombocytopenia.

Acute pulmonary embolism in presence of thrombocytopenia poses a challenging situation to manage. Concomitant presence of right atrial thrombus and thrombocytopenia will further complicate the situation. We hereby report a case of large right atrial thrombus with massive saddle bilateral pulmonary artery embolism with severe thrombocytopenia managed surgically with successful outcome.

Newly Diagnosed SLE With APLS and Right Atrial Thrombus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder manifesting in myriad of forms and could affect almost any body system or organ. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is a relatively common scenario in SLE. Both arterial and venous thrombosis is a hallmark feature of APLS. Among others, intracardiac thrombus is a rare and potentially life-threatening presentation. It could occur in any heart chamber whereas the right atrium is the least common location. The treatment is based on anticoagulation preferably with warfarin along with treatment of SLE. We describe a young patient with newly diagnosed SLE with APLS complicated by right atrial thrombus formation. We are, therefore, adding to the scant literature on right atrial thrombi in SLE and increasing awareness of readers of this serious and potentially deadly condition if left unrecognized.

Suction thrombectomy of catheter-associated right atrial thrombus in two patients.

Catheter associated right atrial thrombus (CRAT) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition. There are no established guidelines for management, and treatment ranges from systemic anticoagulation and thrombolysis to open surgery. While there have been reports on use of suction thrombectomy for right atrial thrombi, the feasibility and outcomes of suction thrombectomy in CRAT have not been described. These two cases describe a successful off-label use of two devices (Triever 20, Inari Medical, Irvine, CA, and AlphaVac, AngioDynamics, Latham, NY) for thrombectomy in CRAT. Both patients had near complete extraction of chronic appearing thrombus, with follow up imaging demonstrating complete resolution. Suction thrombectomy may have a unique role in management in CRAT, especially in cases of infected thrombi. A formal exemption from the institutional review board was obtained for publication.

Calcified Right Atrial Thrombus With Near-Systemic Pulmonary Pressures in a Morbidly Obese Patient: A Clinical Conundrum.

Intracardiac masses are not uncommon, but a calcified right atrial thrombus (CRAT) is an exceedingly rare entity and often poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We discuss the case of an incidentally noted CcRAT in a 40-year-old man presenting with progressive dyspnea. We further review the literature on the subject, highlighting the need for an individual patient-centred care plan.