Recurrent Intracardiac Masses in an Orthotopic Heart Transplant Recipient

Introduction

As long-term survival improves among heart transplant recipients, rare post-transplant complications, including intracardiac masses, are being increasingly recognized.

Severe left atrial (LA) dilation and atrial arrhythmias may further contribute to blood stasis and thrombus formation in transplant recipients. LA thrombi in these patients may mimic neoplastic masses and represent important diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Contributing factors include atrial dilation, arrhythmias, foreign material, and the components of Virchow’s triad, namely abnormal blood flow, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability.^,

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