Left Ventricular Thrombus as a Complication of Clozapine-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review

Spontaneous ventricular thrombosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is closely associated with an increased risk for thrombotic events. Thrombosis mostly occurs in the extremities, lungs, and liver; but it can also occur in the ventricles of the heart. The primary goal of this article is to increase awareness of the risk for ventricular thrombosis in this patient population among healthcare professionals and, thus, appropriate prompt use of thromboprophylaxis therapy for these patients during acute flare-ups. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for ventricular thrombosis to prevent systemic embolisation of the thrombus. Concisely, inflammatory bowel disease predisposes to the development of thrombi. A low threshold for the use of imaging studies to detect such thrombi is warranted.

Noncompaction and Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Patient with Schizophrenia

Objectives. Psychosis and left ventricular hypertrabeculation (or noncompaction) (LVHT) have not been described in the same patient. Here we report a patient with a long-term history of schizophrenia who was later diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (dCMP) and LVHT. Case Report. A 47-year-old Caucasian male developed nondifferentiated schizophrenia at the age of 26 y. Since the age of 33 y he was regularly drinking alcohol. At the age of 47 y he developed heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed an enlarged left ventricle, reduced systolic function, and surprisingly LVHT in the apical segment. Additionally, the left atrium was enlarged, the right ventricular cavities were mildly enlarged, and there were pulmonary hypertension and a small pericardial effusion. Cardiac MRI confirmed the echocardiographic findings. Since coronary angiography was normal, dilated cardiomyopathy was additionally diagnosed. Since he was taking clozapine during years, dilated cardiomyopathy could be due to not only alcohol consumption but also the long-term neuroleptic medication. Conclusions. LVHT may be associated with nondifferentiated psychosis. Management of LVHT is challenging in patients with psychosis due to poor compliance and adherence of these patients. Patients with LVHT and psychosis need particular attention since they usually take cardiotoxic drugs for a long time, which may further deteriorate the prognosis of LVHT.