A pulmonary vein thrombus in a patient with autonomic nervous dysfunction

Publication date: Available online 8 May 2015 Source:IJC Heart & Vasculature Author(s): Hidekazu Takeuchi Ischemic stroke is a serious clinical problem, and preventing ischemic stroke is an important clinical target. Left atrial thrombus is a known cause of ischemic stroke. In 2015, I reported that nearly all left atrial thrombi result from a pulmonary vein thrombus (PVT), indicating that PVT is associated with ischemic stroke. However, the relationship between PVT and autonomic nervous function is unknown. Although PVT is believed to be rare, since 2012, I have reported several cases of PVT in elderly patients with chest pain diagnosed by using a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (64-MDCT). These cases suggest that PVT is not uncommon. A PVT can release microclots that occlude microvessels in all organs, including the heart and nervous system. I previously reported that a PVT can cause angina pectoris. Cerebral microvascular occlusion is a common phenomenon that can be rescued by recanalization, but can also fail because of brain pathology. The relationship between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and PVT is unknown. The coefficient of variation of the R-wave to R-wave interval (CVRR) is used as a parameter of ANS function. In the present case, an 82-year-old male with hypertension and dyslipidemia presented with chest pain, and a 64-MDCT scan revealed a thrombus in the pulmonary vein. The CVRR value was 7, indicating ANS dysfunction. The thrombus was...
Source: IJC Heart and Vasculature - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research