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Case Reports
. 2015 Nov;7(11):E552-4.
doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.11.18.

Left ventricular thrombus associated with arteriovenous extra corporeal membrane oxygenation

George Makdisi  1 , Zubair A Hashmi  1 , Thomas C Wozniak  1 , I-Wen Wang  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Left ventricular thrombus associated with arteriovenous extra corporeal membrane oxygenation

George Makdisi et al. J Thorac Dis. 2015 Nov.

Abstract

Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has remarkably progressed over the recent years. It has become an invaluable tool in the care of adults and pediatric patients with severe cardiogenic shock. At the initiation of ECMO support, the left ventricular contractility is profoundly impaired. Inadequate right ventricular drainage and bronchial circulation can lead to left ventricular distension, with potential deleterious consequences, ranging from inadequate myocardial rest, pulmonary edema, or intracardiac clot formation. Therefore, it is of extreme importance to ensure an adequate left ventricular drainage. Here we present a case of LV thrombus developed while the patient is on central venoarterial (VA) ECMO.

Keywords: Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); cardiogenic shock; heart; left ventricle thrombus.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
ECHO the day of insertion showing dilated left ventricle without thrombus. ECHO, echocardiogram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
ECHO performed 5 days after ECMO insertion showing dilated left ventricle with huge thrombus. ECMO, extra corporeal membrane oxygenation; ECHO, echocardiogram.
Figure 3
Figure 3
ECHO performed 3 weeks after ECMO insertion showing dilated left ventricle with well formed thrombus. ECMO, extra corporeal membrane oxygenation; ECHO, echocardiogram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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