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Right Atrial Mural Thrombus: A Rare Case Complicated by Superior Vena Cava Obstruction

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Right heart thrombi are rare but potentially life-threatening, often arising from deep vein thrombosis or structural heart disease. They are strongly associated with pulmonary embolism, and their diagnosis is frequently delayed, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Bedside ultrasound has emerged as a critical tool for the rapid identification of right heart thrombi, enabling timely intervention. The authors present a case of a right atrial thrombus in an immunocompromised adult male patient. In this case report, the authors describe the investigations that led to the rapid identification of the right heart thrombus. Therapeutic options traditionally include surgical embolectomy, thrombolysis, anticoagulation, and percutaneous retrieval techniques. The authors were based in a resource-limited setting and will discuss the decision-making process that ensued.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.102495

Authors: Dilkash Harryprasadh, Zeyn Mahomed, Shiraz Harypursat, Peter Beskyd, Craig Beringer

Institutions: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac tumors and thrombi

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7125977827