24. Left atrial ball thrombus

Organ: Heart

Description:

An opened left atrium is visible. Inside there is a huge thrombus stuck to the atrial wall.

Diagnosis: Large atrial thrombus

Causes:

Virchow’s triad
- Endothelial damage
- Abnormal blood flow
- Hypercoagulability
Especially atrial fibrillation

Theory:

Atrial fibrillation causes turbulence inside the atria, which promotes thrombus formation. A thrombus in the atria can either obstruct the mitral valve or become a systemic embolus. Thrombus formation in the atria isn’t too common, it’s more commonly found in the auricle.