Right atrial mass in patient undergoing chemotherapy

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Mar 3:2011:bcr0820103297. doi: 10.1136/bcr.08.2010.3297.

Abstract

A 58-year-old lady, with a Hickman line in situ for chemotherapy for invasive ductal breast carcinoma, presented with fever. Blood cultures grew coagulase negative staphylococci. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a mass in the right atrium in the region of the Eustachian apparatus. The Hickman line was removed and the patient was treated for right-sided endocarditis. However, the mass persisted after prolonged intravenous antibiotics and a decision was made to remove it surgically. Histology revealed organised thrombus. The differential investigation of a right atrial mass in this position is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / complications
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Heart Diseases / etiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Thrombosis / etiology