Removal of an infected right atrial mass in a patient with sickle cell disease.

The use of indwelling central catheters for hyperalimentation, chemotherapy, and long-term venous access is increasing. We report the successful removal of an infected right atrial mass associated with the use of a central catheter in an adult with sickle cell disease. The clinical options for the treatment of infected atrial thrombus as well as the challenge of performing cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with sickle cell disease are briefly discussed.