Asymptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism due to hemodialisys catheter thrombosis: case series and literature review

Abstract

Right atrial thrombus is commonly associated to catheters. Catheter-related right atrial thrombus (CRAT) in hemodialysis patients frequently presents as pulmonary embolism. Although CRAT is sometimes asymptomatic, even in these cases it is associated with worse prognosis. The management strategy for CRAT is not well established, however, along with catheter removal, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and surgical thrombectomy may be performed. Suspicion of asymptomatic pulmonary embolism associated to CRAT is important in order to perform proper treatment. The authors of this article report two cases of asymptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism due to CRAT in hemodialysis patients and perform a review of the literature.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Asymptomatic pulmonary embolism; Catheter related right atrial thrombus; Dialysis catheter; Hemodialysis access failure.