Ventricular thrombosis and systemic embolism in bodybuilders: etiology and management

Increased thrombogenicity and acute embolism are well-recognized complications of chronic anabolic steroid abuse. The following cases highlight such dangers in steroid-enhanced bodybuilders who developed intracardiac thrombosis that subsequently embolized. Systemic anticoagulation and surgical thrombectomy constituted the mainstay treatment. This represents the first report of such devastating cardiovascular complications after anabolic steroid abuse and their management.