Septic atrial thrombus. A complication of central venous catheterisation

Abstract

A 77-year-old man underwent repair of a vesicocolic fistula following which he had a protracted stay in the intensive care unit due to recurrent septicaemia, which was initially caused by bowel anastomosis breakdown. Management included central venous cannulation and pulmonary artery catheter monitoring. A septic, mobile right atrial thrombus developed, which was successfully treated. The literature on this condition is reviewed.