Deep-vein and intracardiac thrombosis of unclear aetiology: possible association with intermittent low-voltage electrical trauma.
Extensive deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) may result from a high-voltage electrical injury. Little is known about the effects of long-term, low-voltage electrical stimulation. We report on the unusual finding of deep-vein thrombosis in a black patient, affecting the superior vena cava and right femoral vein, in association with a right atrial mural thrombus, following low-voltage electrical stimulation of the body for analgesic purposes. The patient had slightly decreased blood levels of proteins C and S, with no other known risk factors. The diagnosis, management and prognosis are discussed. This case demonstrates the need to investigate the cardiovascular effects of chronic, low-voltage electrical stimulation.
Instituto do Coração, Maputo, Moçambique. ana.olga@teledata.mz
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D000328:Adult; D016121:Brachiocephalic Veins; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008297:Male; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology