Right atrial thrombi related to permanent dialysis catheters can closely mimic atrial myxomas on echocardiography and gross appearance, highlighting the diagnostic challenge.
Right atrial masses in dialysis patients require histologic confirmation despite myxoma-like features; this case leaves open the prevalence of such mimics.
Right atrial mass related to thrombus or infection is a frequent complication in patients dialysed with permanent catheters. Atrial tumours can present in a similar fashion and despite of satisfactory echographic imaging, it can be misdiagnosed as thrombus or vice versa. We describe the case of a 49-year-old haemodialysis patient who presented with functional small bowel obstruction. A large right atrial mass was noted incidentally during a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. The findings on trans-thoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography were suggestive of an atrial myxoma. The patient underwent resection of the mass, which was highly suspicious on gross appearance for neoplasia. Histological examination revealed it to be a well organised thrombus. J Med Cases. 2013;4(2):102-105 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc954e
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Berzan (2012) studied this question.
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