Contemporary review of the management of left ventricular thrombus

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a known complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and other cardiomyopathies. LVT increases the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, hence treatment with oral anticoagulation is indicated. While the initial treatment options for LVT is clear, the management of patients after the initial duration of anticoagulation is more complex and varied.

Purpose

We aimed to undertake a comprehensive literature review to study the currently available evidence regarding not only the initial type and duration of anticoagulation for LVT, but also potential treatment options after the initial period of anticoagulation in the setting of both LVT persistence and resolution.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to August 2022. Data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies and case series discussing management of LVT were included in this summarized synthesis.

Results

Of 2050 studies screened, 30 studies (24 observational studies, 3 case series, 2 RCTs, 1 non-randomized, open-label trial) were included. A total of 17 studies compared warfarin with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the initial anticoagulation strategy, with the vast majority showing similar outcomes (Table 1). Half (n = 9/18) of the studies repeated imaging between 3-6 months. All studies (n=30) used transthoracic echo with or without contrast as the imaging modality of choice, with selected patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). If the LVT persisted, most studies recommended continuing anticoagulation (n = 11/16, 69%) or switching to a different class of anticoagulants (n = 6/16, 38%). In the event of LVT non-resolution, high-risk features of embolization (protruding, mobile vs layered clot) may aid in the discussion of risk and benefit of long-term anticoagulation. Even upon resolution of the LVT, some studies (n=5) recommend continuing anticoagulation in the presence of high-risk features of recurrence (eg. persistently depressed left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and/or apical wall dyskinesis). Regardless, medical management should be optimized together with the appropriate revascularization strategy as clinically indicated.

Conclusions

Current evidence on the management of LVT is limited. This updated review summarizes the available evidence for the management for LVT. Evidence-based recommendations on the management of these patients is warranted to appropriately guide clinicians.