Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

In the setting of mitral valve stenosis and atrial fibrillation, left atrial ball thrombus is a rare but recognized cause of stroke and can occur even in the presence of therapeutic anticoagulation. This case report highlights the need for echocardiography to rule out treatable cardioembolic substrates for stroke. We report a case of cardioembolic stroke as a result of free floating left atrial ball thrombus presenting as a complication of rheumatic mitral valve disease. This case highlights that, in all patients with a history of structural heart disease, atrial fibrillation, or rheumatic fever, prompt cardiac ultrasound to exclude free floating atrial thrombus is essential.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2012.08.001

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis

Publication Date

10/2013

Volume

22

Pages

e238 - e239

Keywords

Echocardiography, left atrial ball thrombus, stroke, Aged, Echocardiography, Fatal Outcome, Female, Heart Atria, Heart Diseases, Humans, Stroke, Thrombosis