Diagnosis and Treatment of Intracardiac Thrombus

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2021 Sep 1;78(3):361-371. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000001064.

Abstract

Intracardiac thrombi can occur in a variety of locations and are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Yet evidence-based guidance for clinicians managing patients with intracardiac thrombi is often limited. This review summarizes what is known regarding the prevalence of intracardiac thrombus, diagnostic strategies, clinical relevance, and treatment options, focusing on four specific types of thrombus for which recent research has shifted clinical understanding and treatment decisions: (1) left atrial appendage thrombus, (2) cardiac implantable electronic device lead thrombus, (3) bioprosthetic aortic valve thrombus, and (4) left ventricular thrombus. Additional studies, ideally prospective, randomized, and head-to-head in design, are needed to better inform best practices in patients with intracardiac thrombi.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / adverse effects
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Heart Diseases / epidemiology
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy*
  • Thrombosis / epidemiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Fibrinolytic Agents