Type A: right atrial thrombus associated with a sub-massive pulmonary embolism.
The increased use of echocardiography in patients with pulmonary thrombo-embolic disease has led to the recognition of sub-massive pulmonary embolism (SMPE) and concurrent right-heart thrombus (RHT). When these findings coincide, they are associated with a poor prognosis, identifying a high-risk group that often requires a rapid management. Since echocardiographers become the "first responders" in this clinical scenario, it is important to raise awareness and familiarize the readers regarding the importance played by the echocardiography laboratory in the prompt diagnosis and management of this entity. We describe two patients presenting with SMPE with an associated simultaneous RHT and discuss their management.
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
Lamia
L
Dris
Odessa Heart Institute, 720 Golder Avenue, Odessa, TX, 79761, USA. fernbo@icloud.com.|Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Odessa, TX, USA. fernbo@icloud.com.|Permian Research Foundation, Odessa, TX, USA. fernbo@icloud.com.
Fernando
F
Boccalandro
Echocardiography and management; Pulmonary embolism; Right-heart thrombus; Sub-massive