Simultaneous Right and Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in a Patient with Atrial Fibrillation: A Lesson to Remember

Echocardiography. 2015 Dec;32(12):1873-5. doi: 10.1111/echo.13044. Epub 2015 Sep 2.

Abstract

We report a case of simultaneous right and left atrial appendage thrombi in a 76-year-old-man with atrial fibrillation. Although transesophageal echocardiography is considered a routine diagnostic procedure, complete and comprehensive visualization of both atrial appendages is of paramount importance, particularly with the introduction of new therapeutic options like left atrial appendage exclusion devices. We expect to raise awareness among clinicians of the prevalence and implications of bilateral atrial appendage thrombi in common clinical practice.

Keywords: echocardiography; left atrial appendage thrombus; right atrial appendage; transesophageal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Appendage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anticoagulants