# Point-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Thrombus: A Case Series

## TL;DR

This case series shows how point-of-care ultrasound can help diagnose heart blood clots in emergency settings.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the use of POCUS for diagnosing left ventricular thrombus in the ED.

## Key findings

- POCUS identified left ventricular thrombus in three ED patients.
- The cases showed different causes like non-ischemic and ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- POCUS findings helped guide communication with other medical teams.

## Abstract

Left ventricular thrombus is a possible complication of heart failure, acute ischemic myocardial infarction, or progressive nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis of left ventricular thrombus can prevent end-organ ischemic events; however, it is complicated by the lack of easily accessible diagnostic modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the emergency department (ED). Here we present a case series of three patients who had point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) evidence of left ventricular thrombus in the ED, which provided the emergency physician with valuable information that could be communicated to consulting and admitting teams. The case series illustrates the various common pathologic presentations associated with left ventricular thrombus: non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and sequelae of end-organ dysfunction such as cerebrovascular occlusions. Early recognition of left ventricular thrombus through POCUS can expedite subsequent management, and further studies are needed to demonstrate its effect on patient morbidity and mortality.