A series of 122 consecutive patients with left atrial thrombi is reviewed. Positive
diagnosis was achieved in only 40 cases (36 %) based on the angiographic findings
and the presence of coronary fistula. The main cause of mortality and morbidity was
cerebrovascular embolism. A change in our surgical technique, including the occlusion
of the mitral orifice, has so far eliminated this problem.
Left atrial thrombosis - Coronary fistula - Occlusion of mitral orifice
