Acute left atrial thrombosis during anticoagulant therapy in a patient with antithrombin deficiency

Acta Cardiol. 2008 Oct;63(5):635-7. doi: 10.2143/AC.63.5.2033233.

Abstract

A 47-year-old woman presented to our clinic 1 day after an intervention for a tibial shaft fracture because of sudden onset of chest pain and palpitations. Hospital drug therapy included enoxaparin. The ECG showed atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mass in the LA. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed which showed a multilobulated liquid-filled mass (3.6 x 3.7 cm), adherent to the septal, anterior and posterolateral LA most consistent with thrombosis. Tests for hypercoagulable disorders revealed antithrombin deficiency (antithrombin-heparin co-factor level = 30% [normal pooled plasma activity 70%-140%]), suggesting that it played an outstanding role in the LA thrombosis. After initial stabilization, the patient was discharged with warfarin (target INR = 2.5-3.5) together with beta-blockers, statins and metformin. After 1 month of follow-up the patient underwent TEE which showed a dramatic reduction of the left atrial thrombosis. Our patient is doing well and is continuing life-long anticoagulant therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects*
  • Antithrombin III Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / etiology*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Thromboembolism / chemically induced*
  • Thromboembolism / complications
  • Thromboembolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Thromboembolism / etiology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants