Letter to the Editor

Catheter-Related Atrial Thrombus Resolved After Catheter Removal in a Patient on Hemodialysis

Authors: Cheng-Jui Lin, MD, Han-Hsiang Chen, MD, Yi-Chou Chen, MD, Chih-Jen Wu, MD, PhD

Abstract

To the Editor:


Right atrial thrombus is a serious complication of long-term central vein catheter placement.1 Management may include thrombectomy, anticoagulation, and removal of the catheter. However, removing the catheter alone is reportedly associated with a higher mortality than thrombectomy.2

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References

1. Negulescu O, Coco M, Croll J, et al. Large atrial thrombus formation associated with tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheters. Clin Nephrol 2003;59:40–46.
 
2. Little MA, O’Riordan A, Lucey B, et al. A prospective study of complications associated with cuffed, tunnelled haemodialysis catheters. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2001;16:2194–2200.
 
3. Kingdon EJ, Holt SG, Davar J, et al. Atrial thrombus and central venous dialysis catheters. Am J Kidney Dis 2001;38:631– 639.
 
4. Hickman RO, Buckner CD, Clift RA, et al. A modified right atrial catheter for access to the venous system in marrow transplant recipients Surg Gynecol Obstet 1979;148:871–875.
 
5. Ghani MK, Boccalandro F, Denktas AE, et al. Right atrial thrombus formation associated with central venous catheters utilization in hemodialysis patients. Intensive Care Med 2003;29:1829–1832.