The risk of catheter-related sepsis and clot formation in patients with an indwelling central venous line is well recognized. However the risk of developing a large thrombus in the right atrium is less well known. Right atrial thrombus can be a life-threatening complication of long-term indwelling catheters and should be considered in the workup of these patients. A case of a 71-year-old lady who developed a large atrial thrombus due to a Hickman catheter is reported that required open heart surgery. Incidence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options are also reviewed.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Latif et al. (2001) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: