CTICasesCalcified Left Atrial Thrombus
Imaging findings
Non-contrast CT demonstrates a prominent calcified mass separate from the posterior wall of the left atrium. Comparison with a prior CT angiogram shows a large, layering non-calcified soft tissue mass along the posterior left atrial wall. The left atrial appendage is poorly opacified, likely reflecting slow flow or chronic thrombosis.
Key takeaways
Left atrial thrombi can undergo calcification over time, presenting on non-contrast CT as hyperdense, calcified masses along the posterior atrial wall. This is a late sequela of chronic blood stasis, commonly seen in patients with valvular heart disease, left atrial enlargement, or atrial fibrillation. It must be differentiated from primary cardiac neoplasms like myxoma or osteosarcoma.
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