Case Study of Biatrial Thrombus: Found Down With Atrial Fibrillation

Authors

Colin N. Jenkins, HCA HealthcareFollow
Nader W. Badri, HCA HealthcareFollow
Barbara Blasko, HCA HealthcareFollow

Division

Far West

Hospital

Riverside Community Hospital

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

3-21-2023

Keywords

atrial fibrillation, atrial thrombus, biatrial thrombus, deep vein thrombosis; thromboembolic disease, thromboembolism, venous thromboembolism

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Emergency Medicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Biatrial thrombus is a rare condition that is typically associated with a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

CASE REPORT: This is a case of a 75-year-old man with history of heavy alcohol use found down with altered sensorium. He was hypothermic and in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate and was subsequently found to have a biatrial thrombus with no evidence of PFO. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Biatrial thrombus presents the unique danger of progressing to both pulmonary embolus and acute embolic disease (including stroke); both are life-threatening diagnoses that can be prevented by means of identifying and treating this rare and dangerous condition.

Publisher or Conference

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Recommended Citation

Jenkins CN, Badri NW, Blasko BJ. Case Study of Biatrial Thrombus: Found Down With Atrial Fibrillation. J Emerg Med. 2023;S0736-4679(23)00058-6. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.02.014