Navigating complex cardiac complications: A case report of alcoholic cardiomyopathy and right atrial thrombosis

Abstract

Rationale: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is associated with various cardiac complications, but the development of isolated right atrial (RA) thrombus without deep vein thrombosis is rare and presents diagnostic challenges. Patient concerns: A 53-year-old Hispanic male presented with shortness of breath, chills, cough, bilateral lower extremity edema, and distended abdomen. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed with ACM, liver cirrhosis, and a large RA thrombus. Initial transthoracic echocardiography showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction but failed to detect the RA mass. Subsequent computed tomography scan and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large oval mass in the RA, measuring 40 mm × 22 mm × 18 mm. Interventions: The patient received guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure and anticoagulation with enoxaparin. He underwent cardiac catheterization for mechanical thrombectomy, which was minimally successful. Outcomes: The patient’s condition was managed with the prescribed interventions. Regular follow-up was planned to assess thrombolysis. Lessons: RA thrombosis is an uncommon complication of ACM. A multimodal imaging approach, with a low threshold for transesophageal echocardiography, is crucial in evaluating patients with ACM who present with cardiac complications. This approach enables accurate diagnosis and management of rare conditions like isolated RA thrombosis.