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.

No arrows needed.