Management
Reports of catheter-associated RAT management vary widely. Outcomes
following anticoagulation are generally favorable and reports have shown
benefits of dual antiplatelet therapy following catheter
removal.10,13,15 In a meta-analysis, Stavroulopoulos
et al demonstrated that maintenance of the catheter in place after
thrombus discovery was significantly and independently associated with
mortality, favoring management strategies that include catheter removal
and anticoagulation.7,16 Our series showed a high rate
of thrombus resolution with routine anticoagulation and catheter removal
when deemed clinically appropriate, with replacement as necessary.
Awareness of the potential for RAT and appropriate surveillance is
critical in order to properly address RAT that develop.