Right atrial tuberculoma enclosed by thrombus

Abstract

Right atrial tuberculoma (RAT) are an exceedingly rare heart mass often caused by primary pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In HIV patients, the right atrium is not only a suitable location for tuberculoma formation, but also has a tendency for thrombus formation due to the thrombophilic state of HIV and the destructive effect of the HIV virus on the endothelial surface of the right atrium and subsequent thrombus formation. These masses can simply be detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TEE), but their differentiation from other cardiac pathologies requires histological examination. Herein, using a positive polymerase chain reaction test, we report a case of a previously diagnosed HIV-positive 24-year-old man who presented with a right atrial thrombus, dyspnea, and pleural effusion. Final histological examination identified the right atrial thrombus as a tuberculoma. The patient underwent open heart surgery to remove the mass and received prolonged postoperative TB therapy together with HIV drugs. Three-month follow-up showed some remaining dyspnea and lower extremity edema; however, TEE showed no recurrence of the RAT or thrombus.