Misdiagnosis by transoesophageal echo of post-operative cardiac thrombus and tamponade due to Surgicel® Fibrillar

Abstract

A 54-year-old man who underwent orthotopic heart transplant developed a progressive drop in his cardiac indices, an elevated central venous pressure, and hypotension requiring inotropic support. A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed, demonstrating an echogenic mass measuring 11 × 8 cm located posterior to the heart adjacent to both atria ( Panels A – C , asterisk) without signs of …