An Unusual Case of Left Atrial Mural Thrombus following Aortic Valve Replacement

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiac Masses

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiac masses encompass a broad range of etiologies and are often initially revealed by echocardiography. The differential may change depending on the location of the mass and patients' medical history or presentation. It is important for clinicians to be aware of subtle visual characteristics on echocardiography in order to correctly diagnose the pathology.

METHODS

Patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and were found to have one or more cardiac masses between January 1, 2020, and May 15, 2023, were reviewed. Their demographic data, clinical presentation, medical history, imaging, and follow-up information were collected from hospital electronic medical records, de-identified, and used to complete this review paper. A detailed review of cardiac masses divided by cardiac chamber accompanied by real-world echocardiographic images from patients in a large inner city public hospital. We hope that this systematic review of cardiac masses with real-world echocardiographic images will help clinicians note subtle echocardiographic characteristics to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac masses.

The Rare Occurrence of a Left Atrial Thrombus in a Dog

Intracardiac thrombi are rare in dogs. If they occur, they are mostly seen in the right atrium while only two case reports describing a mural left atrial thrombus in dogs are available. This case report describes a 14-year-old mixed-breed bitch that was presented at the clinic because of dyspnoea. The dog suffered from alopecia for about three years and displayed polyuria and polydipsia for a number of months. Clinical examination revealed intensified inspiratory and expiratory respiratory sounds and various heart sounds. Chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly (VHS 11) and a mixed bronchoalveolar lung pattern of the caudal lung. A transthoracic echocardiography was performed and showed a moderate mitral regurgitation, a highly dilated left atrium, a low-grade pulmonary insufficiency, and a minimal aortic and tricuspid insufficiency. Additionally, a free-floating ball thrombus was found in the left atrium. Hyperadrenocorticism was indicated by an ACTH stimulation test. The previous medical therapy of the referring veterinarian consisted of benazepril and furosemide and was complemented by clopidogrel. The pet owners declined any further clinical diagnostics and therapy. The dog died 19 days later. This is the first reported case of a dog with a free-floating left atrial thrombus. Specific therapeutic strategies for intracardiac thrombi in the dog are currently not available, and therefore, every patient should be treated individually.