Atrial Thrombus in a Neonate: A Diagnostic Challenge

Spontaneously disappearing right atrial mass in a preterm infant: a case report

Background

There is currently a lack of evidence-based guidelines regarding ideal management of a neonate, specifically a preterm, with thrombo-embolus. There are no clear guidelines as to the time-frame of spontaneous resolution of a thrombo-embolus.

Case summary

A large pedunculated right atrial mass was identified on a clinician-performed cardiac ultrasound in a preterm neonate. The mass was smaller than half of the atrial size and was not causing obstruction. The mass disappeared spontaneously within 6 days and was retrospectively presumed to have been a thrombus. The neonate remained asymptomatic with no signs suggesting that the mass may have embolized.

Discussion

In this case of an incidentally identified asymptomatic intracardiac mass in a preterm infant, presumed to be a thrombus, our conservative 'wait and watch' approach was not associated with any adverse pulmonary or systemic effects.

Intracardiac Thrombi in Preterm Infants-A Case Study and Review of the Literature

Intracardiac thrombi in preterm infants are not common but may lead to fatal outcomes. Predisposing and risk factors include small vessel size, hemodynamic instability, immaturity of the fibrinolytic system, indwelling central catheters and sepsis. In this paper, we present our own experience with a case of a catheter-related right atrial thrombus in a preterm infant, which was successfully treated with an aspiration thrombectomy. Then, we review the literature on intracardiac thrombosis in preterm infants: epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs, echocardiographic diagnostic features and treatment options are discussed.

Neonatal Myxomas: Case Report and Literature Review

Myxomas are rare tumors in neonates and tend to have a different presentation compared to adults. We present an infant with a left atrial myxoma presenting with episodic tachycardia who underwent successful surgical excision. In addition, we performed a review of the literature, identifying 17 cases of neonatal myxomas. Unlike adults, neonatal myxomas are more common in males and occur more often on the right side of the heart. Constitutional symptoms such as fever or embolism are rare among neonates. Most patients have favorable outcomes following surgical excision, refuting earlier claims that neonatal myxomas are associated with poor outcomes.

A case series of right atrial mass in neonates: a diagnostic dilemma

The diagnosis of a right atrial mass in a neonate should be treated as an emergency. There are three major differential diagnoses for a right atrial mass-thrombus, infectious vegetation, and myxoma. Embolization of the mass can result in life-threatening complications and hence timely diagnosis and treatment is vital. This case series describes the clinical course, management, and outcome of four neonates who presented with a right atrial mass.