Thrombus in the left atrial appendage detected by intracardiac echocardiography

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2004 Apr;20(2):113-6. doi: 10.1023/b:caim.0000014096.14649.79.

Abstract

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) at the ostium of the pulmonary veins can potentially cure atrial fibrillation. Left-sided ablation procedures may carry a risk of thrombo-embolic events. Emboli from intracardiac thrombus originate from the left atrial appendage (LAA) in a substantial number of patients. The presence of spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrium (LA) and LAA peak emptying flow < or = 20 cm/s are also significantly related to thrombo-embolic events. Evaluation of the anatomy of the LA and LAA prior to left-sided procedures is therefore mandatory. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) appears an ideal technique to obtain this information during the RFCA-procedure. In the current report, we report on the use of ICE detecting a thrombus in the LAA in a patient planned to undergo RFCA of pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Appendage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Appendage / pathology*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation
  • Echocardiography*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Veins / surgery
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thrombosis / surgery