Abstract

Background: There is a debate among medical education experts on the application of dissection or prosection for learning anatomy. However, the literature reveals that the majority of published articles are in favor of dissection. Also, the majority of the literature seems to be mostly based on experience and experts' comments, and less based on measurable data. Objectives: In this paper, we present a case of AAA with intracardiac thrombus in a cadaver on routine dissection, and discuss possible explanations for such finding. Also, we outline how this finding can support the significance of the cadaver-based teaching of anatomy of the medical students. Methods: Initially, the abdomen was dissected and exposed to study the abdominal structures in an anatomy class, and later the thoracic region was dissected as well and all the clinical abnormalities were examined and documented. Autopsy of the clot was obtained for histopathology analysis. Results: The intracardiac thrombus was present in the right atrium characterized by projection into the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava and the right ventricle. The AAA was extensive and inferior to the renal arteries constricting the entire inferior vena cava. Moreover, associated findings included presence of numerous collaterals in the thoracic region near the superior vena cava; histological examination of the clot showed extensive population of leukocytes. There were enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Conclusion: AAA with intracardiac thrombus can develop in rare occasions and there could be due to different possible causes such as autoimmune and genetic, or each can develop based on distinct pathology. Cadaver exhibits an excellent model for integrating anatomy and physiology together and triggering the medical students to think "outside the box" which certainly will help them in their future medical career.