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.