Thrombus formation at the site of radiofrequency catheter ablation.
A 55-year-old woman with a history of resected atrial myxoma with residual patched atrial septal defect (ASD) underwent a successful radiofrequency (RF) ablation of reentry atrial tachycardia. She presented with progressive dyspnea 5 days later. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a 1-cm right atrial mass attached to the intraatrial septum at the ablation site. Repeat study after anticoagulation for 5 weeks showed complete resolution of the thrombus. Thrombus formation at the site of RF ablation is a potential complication that may require aggressive anticoagulation. Patients with patched ASD might be at higher risk.
Farah
A
A
Providence Hospital, Heart Institute, Southfield, Michigan 48075, USA.
Khan
F
F
Machado
C
C
D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013612:Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial / Q000601:surgery; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*