Paraganglioma as a rare cause of left ventricular thrombus in the setting of preserved ejection fraction: discussing the literature. (19th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shafiq, Ali; Nguyen, Phuc; Hudson, Michael P; Rabbani, Bobak
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2013
• Publication Date: 2013-11-19
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-202001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumours which if remain undiagnosed may cause severe morbidity and mortality. In rare circumstances these tumours can cause left ventricular (LV) thrombi to form by inducing cardiomyopathy and subsequent embolic complications. After a thorough literature review, six previous cases were found that presented the formation of an LV thrombus in the setting of a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. A majority of these cases were associated with significant wall motion abnormalities and their cardiac ejection fraction (EF) was compromised. This is a rare case of a patient developing LV thrombi in the setting of a paraganglioma with normal cardiac EF. We present this case to compare the similarities and differences of our case with previously reported cases and emphasise the importance of suspecting these LV thrombi in patients with these neuroendocrine tumours.