Resolution of huge thrombi in bilateral ventricles caused by severe lupus cardiomyopathy

Lupus. 2021 Apr;30(5):840-844. doi: 10.1177/0961203321989808. Epub 2021 Jan 26.

Abstract

Ventricular thrombus is an uncommon, severe condition with high morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous left and right ventricular thrombi caused by lupus myocardiopathy have not been previously reported in the literature. This case presents a 42-year-old woman who has bilateral ventricular thrombi with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (35.4%) and acute kidney injury. Pro-brain natriuretic peptide was >35000 pg/mL. Systemic lupus erythematosus was confirmed based on multiorgan injuries including malar rash, anemia, renal injury, positive antinuclear, anti-Smith antibodies, and decreased complements. Renal biopsy revealed lupus nephritis class III + V. Low molecular weight heparin, steroids, and mycophenolate mofetil were initiated, after which the patient experienced transient numbness in the right limbs and hemoptysis. She then recovered quickly and improved significantly with recovery of left ventricular systolic function (left ventricular ejection fraction 46%) and the eventual disappearance of thrombi. Simultaneous left and right ventricular thrombi are rare but life-threatening condition, prompting consideration of myocardiopathy caused by autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Timely treatment with immunosuppressants and anticoagulants may resolve the thrombi and improve cardiac function.

Keywords: Left ventricular thrombus; lupus cardiomyopathy; right ventricular thrombus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology
  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Cardiomyopathies / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathies / etiology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Heart Ventricles / pathology*
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Lupus Nephritis / classification
  • Lupus Nephritis / pathology
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / blood
  • Peptide Fragments / blood
  • Stroke Volume / physiology
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Peptide Fragments
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain