Atrial thrombosis: Not only left, think also about right!. Issue 8 (11th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Degiovanni, Anna; Carassia, Claudia; De Vecchi, Simona; Erbetta, Riccardo; Patti, Giuseppe
• Other Names: Belyavskiy Evgeny guestEditor.; Cameli Matteo guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical ultrasound. Volume 50:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 1194
• Page End: 1201
• Publication Date: 2022-10-11
• Subjects: atrial fibrillation -- echocardiography -- non‐invasive imaging -- right atrial appendage -- right atrial thrombus; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-2751

Abstract

Abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the general population. Systemic thromboembolism from left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis is a well‐known complication of AF, whereas thromboembolic complications from a right atrial (RA) thrombus are infrequent. Nevertheless, the prevalence of RA thrombosis is debated; despite having a low prevalence in echocardiographic studies, the higher prevalence found in autoptic studies rises the hypothesis of an under detection of RA clots, possibly related to the limited evaluation of right atrial appendage (RAA) with non‐invasive imaging. Here we present a review of the current literature about RA thrombosis, regarding its diagnosis, differentials, and best treatment options. Abstract : Right atrial thrombosis is a rare complication of atrial fibrillation, which prevalence is still under debate. Right atrial screening with transesophageal echocardiography should be of routine before cardioversion and in case of pulmonary embolism without any detected deep vein thrombosis. Other non‐invasive investigation may be useful when echocardiography is inconclusive.