Acta cardiologica
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Review Case Reports
"Thrombus in transit"--the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism and a review of the literature.
The diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolus is often difficult. We present a case history where bedside transthoracic echocardiography provided a rapid and convenient aid to diagnosis by demonstrating a venous "thrombosis in transit" as a spiral shaped mass in the right atrium prolapsing into the right ventricle. We also review the management and outcome in recent, similar cases. ⋯ Transthoracic echocardiography may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolus. The presence of thrombus in the right heart is a rare finding. The outcome in these patients is determined by the clinical presentation rather than by the identification of thrombus.