Review of the Etiology, Diagnosis, Classification, and Therapy of Right Heart Thrombi

Abstract

Right heart thrombi are a rare phenomenon associated with high mortality rates and embolization to the pulmonary bed. Diagnostic modalities include transthoracic echocardiography, contrast-enhanced echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Several treatment options for right ventricular thrombus have been described in case reports and observational studies including anticoagulation, thrombolysis, catheter-based procedures, and surgical embolectomy. Various studies have demonstrated that thrombolysis and surgical embolectomy have better survival outcomes than anticoagulation alone. Present management strategies are supported by observational studies, and further research is needed to guide therapy.