Diagnosis of atrial thrombi by ultrasound.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Left atrial thrombi were shown by 2-dimensional echocardiography in 3 patients with mitral valve disease neurological symptoms. In 2 patients the atrial thrombi were probably the source of a previous cerebrovascular embolus. In the 3rd, 2-dimensional echocardiography detected the development of a recent ball-valve thrombus in the left atrial cavity which caused intermittent obstruction and syncope. Echocardiographic findings were correlated with anatomical and histological data in all 3 patients. The spatial orientation provided by the multiple imaging planes of 2-dimensional echocardiography permitted correct estimates of the size and position of the thrombus, and this mode was superior to the standard M-mode technique for noninvasive imaging of thrombus. Despite limitations of technique and resolution, the information provided by ultrasound can be extremely helpful in the management of patients. Ultrasonic screening (particularly the 2-dimensional mode) is recommended for use in patients with neurological symptoms and clinical evidence of cardiac disease of arrhythmias.