Title:Iatrogenic Right Atrial Thrombus Complicated by Pulmonary Embolism: Management and Outcomes
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
Author(s): Ayman Battisha*, Bader Madoukh, Khalid Sawalha and Brijesh Patel
Affiliation:
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA 01107,United States
Keywords:
Central venous catheters, right atrial thrombus, thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, iatrogenic, transthoracic
echocardiography.
Abstract: Right atrial thrombus can originate from distal venous sources or can be iatrogenic, secondary
to the placement of central venous catheters, atrial devices, or surgeries. One of the most
common complications of Central Venous Catheters (CVCs) is thromboembolism, which can be either
fixed to the right atrium or can be free-floating. Device-related Right Atrial Thrombosis
(RAT) can result in catheter occlusion, vascular occlusion, infection, and pulmonary embolism.
The true incidence of these complications is unknown because the diagnosis may not be considered
in asymptomatic patients, and it might be missed by Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE). In
this literature review, we discuss iatrogenic etiologies of RAT that is complicated by pulmonary
embolism. We highlight the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion of iatrogenic
RAT, possible complications, and its management.
