Echocardiographic detection of left atrial mobile calcium debris of trido valve surgery: a case report

Abstract

Calcification of the cardiac chambers is among the challenges associated with reoperative cardiac surgeries by increasing the risk of systemic embolization. We experienced a case of an unexpected detected mass by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient undergoing trido mitral and tricuspid valve replacement surgery. The surgically removed mass was identified as calcified tissue. This case shows the importance of careful echocardiographic evaluation of the left heart in patients undergoing repeat valve surgery given their greater potential for embolic sources.

Keywords

• calcification
• cardiac surgery
• left atrium
• reoperation
• transesophageal echocardiography