# Right Atrial Mural Thrombus: A Rare Case Complicated by Superior Vena Cava Obstruction

## TL;DR

A rare case of a right atrial thrombus in an immunocompromised patient is presented, highlighting challenges in diagnosis and treatment in resource-limited settings.

## Contribution

The paper contributes a case report emphasizing the use of bedside ultrasound for rapid diagnosis of right heart thrombi in a resource-limited context.

## Key findings

- Right heart thrombi are rare but life-threatening and often linked to pulmonary embolism.
- Bedside ultrasound is effective for rapid identification of right heart thrombi.
- Treatment decisions in resource-limited settings require careful consideration of available options.

## Abstract

Right heart thrombi are rare but potentially life-threatening, often arising from deep vein thrombosis or structural heart disease. They are strongly associated with pulmonary embolism, and their diagnosis is frequently delayed, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Bedside ultrasound has emerged as a critical tool for the rapid identification of right heart thrombi, enabling timely intervention.

The authors present a case of a right atrial thrombus in an immunocompromised adult male patient. In this case report, the authors describe the investigations that led to the rapid identification of the right heart thrombus. Therapeutic options traditionally include surgical embolectomy, thrombolysis, anticoagulation, and percutaneous retrieval techniques. The authors were based in a resource-limited setting and will discuss the decision-making process that ensued.