Oral factor Xa inhibitors for the treatment of left ventricular thrombus: a case series

Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke and Systemic Embolism Prevention in Patients with Left Ventricular Thrombus

In recent years, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have accumulated evidence of efficacy and safety in various clinical scenarios and are approved for a wide spectrum of indications. Still, they are currently used off-label for left ventricular thrombus owing to a paucity of evidence. For the same reason, there is a lack of guideline indication as well. Our work is based on an exhaustive analysis of the available literature and provides a structured and detailed update on the use of DOACs in patients with left ventricle thrombus. The safety and efficacy of DOACs were analyzed in particular clinical scenarios. As far as we know, this is the first paper that analyzes DOACs in this approach.

Left Ventricular Thrombosis: Current Perspective and Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a serious risk factor for systemic embolism development. Despite the evident danger of this condition, current guidelines describe management of patients with this potentially fatal complication very briefly. LVT can complicate myocardial infarction where its incidence is around 10%, as well as various forms of cardiomyopathies and novel coronavirus infection. According to clinical guidelines vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) should be used as treatment of choice for thrombus resolution. However, experts point out that this therapy lacks necessary evidential base and bears certain difficulties because of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamical properties of VKAs. These drawbacks are absent in direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), the possibility of using which in LVT is being actively studied. As for now, published results of 3 randomised clinical trials have demonstrated similar safety and efficacy profiles of DOACs and VKAs. Similarly, the majority of retrospective cohort studies did not observe significant differences between two groups, where some of them have shown superiority of DOACs especially in terms of earlier thrombus resolution. Nevertheless, some studies have found DOACs ineffective and even potentially unsafe regarding systemic embolism. Existing data does not allow to form an unambiguous conclusion about the equivalence of DOACs and VKAs for LVT resolution. Large randomised clinical trials are needed to determine efficacy and safety of such treatment in these patients.

Oral Anticoagulant Use and Appropriateness in Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Complex Clinical Conditions: ACONVENIENCE Study

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the most common arrhythmia in older patients. Although direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are the antithrombotic treatment of choice, irrespective of age, certain factors may limit their use. The aim of the ACONVENIENCE study was to consult the opinion of a multidisciplinary panel of experts on the appropriateness of using OACs in elderly patients (>75 years) with NVAF associated with certain complex clinical conditions. A consensus project was performed on the basis of a systematic review of the literature, and application of a two-round Delphi survey. The agreement of 79 panellists on 30 Delphi-type statements was evaluated, and their opinion on the appropriateness of different oral anticoagulants in 16 complex clinical scenarios was assessed. A total of 27 consensus statements were agreed upon, including all statements addressing anticoagulation in older patients and in patients at high risk of bleeding complications, and most of those addressing frailty, dementia, risk of falling, and complex cardiac situations. It was almost unanimously agreed upon that advanced age should not influence the anticoagulation decision. Apixaban was the highest-rated therapeutic option in 14/16 situations, followed by edoxaban. There is a high degree of agreement on anticoagulation in older patients with NVAF. Age should not be the single limiting factor when prescribing OACs, and the decision should be made based on net clinical benefit and a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Apixaban, followed by edoxaban, was considered the most appropriate treatment in the various complex clinical situations examined.

Direct oral anticoagulants vs. vitamin K antagonists for left ventricular thrombus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to reduce the risk of systemic thromboembolic (STE) events in patients with left ventricular (LV) thrombus. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are an emerging alternative to VKAs; however, data supporting DOAC use in LV thrombus are still lacking. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety between DOACs and VKAs in this population.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to October 2020 to identify studies that compared clinical outcomes of interest, including stroke or any STE, LV thrombus resolution, and bleeding, between patients who used DOACs and VKAs for LV thrombus. Data from each study were combined using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Eight cohort studies with a total of 1771 patients (426 in DOAC group, 1345 in VKA group) were included. There were no statistically significant differences between VKA group and DOAC group on rates of STE events (pooled RR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-1.39, p = .286), LV thrombus resolution (pooled RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.94-1.27, p = .242), or bleeding events (pooled RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.59-1.51, p = .808).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis found no significant differences in rates of STE events, LV thrombus resolution, or bleeding events between the use of DOACs and VKAs in LV thrombus. Further randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm our findingsHighlightsThere is limited evidence comparing the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in left ventricular (LV) thrombus.Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that DOACs are not inferior to VKAs in the incidence of systemic thromboembolism (STE), the rate of LV thrombus resolution, and the risk of bleeding.Current evidence is based on observational studies only. Further randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings.

Efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants for treatment of left ventricular thrombus; a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a well-recognised complication of ischaemic and non-ischaemic heart disease. The incidence of this complication has drastically reduced due to reperfusion therapies. Current guidelines recommend using warfarin for at least three months. But, direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used as an off-label alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) to treat LVT. In this article, we will review the use of DOACs for the treatment of LVT.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a literature search for published case series, meta-analyses, and review articles in four electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, and Google Scholar from inception until 1 August 2020. Fifteen articles including meta-analyses, review articles and case series were included. A total of 292 patients with LVT from 7 articles are analysed. The majority (n = 110) were treated with rivaroxaban followed by apixaban (n = 86), and warfarin (60). 26 patients from 292 were not included in the analysis. Of the 206 patients on DOACs, 180 (87.3%) had resolution of LVT. 22 had persistent LVT. Six patients had reported bleeding. Three patients had gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. One patient had pulmonary haemorrhage while one other had epistaxis requiring blood transfusion. Five of six patients who had bleeding were on either single or dual antiplatelet therapy in addition to DOAC. One patient had reported a cardioembolic stroke while on a DOAC. Median follow-up duration varied from one month to two years.

CONCLUSION

Based on our review, DOACs are likely to be at least as effective and safer as VKA for stroke prevention and thrombus resolution in patients with LVT.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Intracardiac Thrombus

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.

Direct oral anticoagulants to treat left ventricular thrombus-A systematic review and meta-analysis: ELECTRAM investigators

INTRODUCTION

Though current guidelines currently recommend using warfarin, there is also a growing interest in the utilization of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to treat left ventricular (LV) thrombus.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search using PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to September 30, 2020, for studies that had reported outcomes in patients with left ventricular thrombus treated with DOACs (PROSPERO registration number CRD42020219761).

RESULTS

Twelve studies (n = 867 patients) were included in the analysis. The pooled incidence of the systemic embolic events (SEE) with DOACs was 2.7%, whereas the thrombus resolution rate was 86.6%. The pooled incidence of overall bleeding (composite of major and minor bleeding) and major bleeding with DOACs were 5.6% and 1.1%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in terms of SEE (OR 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-1.52, p = .54), major bleeding (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.07-1.26, p = .24), and failure of LV thrombus resolution (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.28-2.58, p = .68); whereas overall bleeding was significantly low in patients with LV thrombus treated with DOACs compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.81, p = .02).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates no significant difference in SEE, major bleeding, or failure of LV thrombus resolution between the two groups, thus demonstrating that DOACs are an efficacious and safe alternative for the treatment of LV thrombus compared to VKAs. However, further well-designed prospective trials are needed to answer important clinical questions-optimal dosing/duration of DOACs and its safety in the background of antiplatelet therapy.

Management of left ventricular thrombus: a narrative review

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and also non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. We performed a narrative literature review, manual-search of reference lists of included articles and relevant reviews. Our literature review indicates that the incidence of LVT following acute MI has decreased, probably due to improvement in patient care as a result of better and earlier reperfusion techniques. Predictors of LVT include anterior MI, involvement of left ventricular (LV) apex (regardless of the coronary territory affected), LV akinesis or dyskinesis, reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF), severe diastolic dysfunction and large infarct size. LVT is associated with increased risk of systemic embolism, stroke, cardiovascular events and death, and there is evidence that anticoagulant therapy for at least 3 months can reduce the risk of these events. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has the highest diagnostic accuracy for LVT, followed by echocardiography with the use of echocardiographic contrast agents (ECAs). Although current guidelines suggest use of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for a minimum of 3 to 6 months, there is growing evidence of the benefits of direct acting oral anticoagulants in treatment of LVT. Embolic events appear to occur even after resolution of LVT suggesting that anticoagulant therapy needs to be considered for a longer period in some cases. Recommendations for the use of triple therapy in the presence of the LVT are mostly based on extrapolation from outcome data in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and MI. We conclude that the presence of LVT is more likely in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) (involving the apex) and reduced ejection fraction (EF). LVT should be considered a marker of increased long-term thrombotic risk that may persist even after thrombus resolution. Ongoing clinical trials are expected to elucidate the best management strategies for patients with LVT.

Off-label Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Compared With Warfarin for Left Ventricular Thrombi

Importance

Left ventricular (LV) thrombi can arise in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. Anticoagulation is thought to reduce the risk of stroke or systemic embolism (SSE), but there are no high-quality data on the effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for this indication.

Objective

To compare the outcomes associated with DOAC use and warfarin use for the treatment of LV thrombi.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cohort study was performed at 3 tertiary care academic medical centers among 514 eligible patients with echocardiographically diagnosed LV thrombi between October 1, 2013, and March 31, 2019. Follow-up was performed through the end of the study period.

Exposures

Type and duration of anticoagulant use.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Clinically apparent SSE.

Results

A total of 514 patients (379 men; mean [SD] age, 58.4 [14.8] years) with LV thrombi were identified, including 300 who received warfarin and 185 who received a DOAC (64 patients switched treatment between these groups). The median follow-up across the patient cohort was 351 days (interquartile range, 51-866 days). On unadjusted analysis, DOAC treatment vs warfarin use (hazard ratio [HR], 2.71; 95% CI, 1.31-5.57; P = .01) and prior SSE (HR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.22-3.72; P = .01) were associated with SSE. On multivariable analysis, anticoagulation with DOAC vs warfarin (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.28-5.43; P = .01) and prior SSE (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.17-3.66; P = .01) remained significantly associated with SSE.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this multicenter cohort study of anticoagulation strategies for LV thrombi, DOAC treatment was associated with a higher risk of SSE compared with warfarin use, even after adjustment for other factors. These results challenge the assumption of DOAC equivalence with warfarin for LV thrombi and highlight the need for prospective randomized clinical trials to determine the most effective treatment strategies for LV thrombi.

Left Ventricular Thrombus Therapy With Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for left ventricular thrombus (LVT) resolution. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly evaluated as alternatives to the standard of care in anticoagulation.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the use of DOACs vs VKAs for LVT treatment. The occurrence of LVT resolution, systemic embolism (SE) or stroke, and bleeding events were compared during follow-up using random-effects analysis.

RESULTS

The 5 included studies were all observational (a total of 828 patients). Of these, 284 patients (34%) were treated with DOACs, and 544 (66%) treated with VKAs. Thrombus resolution was similar for both methods (pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.47-1.75; I ² = 63%; P = .78). The incidence of SE or stroke was also similar (pooled OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 0.85-2.97; I ² = 0%; P = .14). Clinically relevant bleeding incidence was similar for both groups (pooled OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.31-1.40; I ² = 0%; P = .28), although all bleeding events were less frequent in the DOAC group (pooled OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26-0.90; I ² = 0%; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests DOACs were as effective as VKAs for LVT resolution, with a similar risk of systemic embolism/stroke and clinically relevant bleeding. These results, obtained from observational studies, are not definitive and hence randomized controlled trials are needed. Nevertheless, our analysis identifies key experimental features required in future studies.

Off-label Use for Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Valvular Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure, Left Ventricular Thrombus, Superficial Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Hypertension-a Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical literature for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) therapy for non-Food and Drug Administration approved indications.

DATA SOURCES

Articles from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and OVID databases were reviewed from 1946 through September 4, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Fully published studies assessing DOACs for atrial fibrillation (AF) with valvular heart disease (VHD), heart failure (HF), left ventricular thrombus (LVT), superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), or pulmonary hypertension (PH) were evaluated.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Our review showed that DOACs are safe to use in patients with AF and VHD except for mitral stenosis or mechanical heart valve. Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily should be used with caution in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction until further evaluation is performed. Four retrospective studies for DOAC use in patients with LVT showed conflicting results. One phase 3 randomized controlled trial showed noninferiority of rivaroxaban to fondaparinux for SVT treatment. The use of DOACs for pulmonary arterial hypertension was not evaluated in any clinical study, but 2 retrospective studies for the use of DOACs in patients with chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) showed similar efficacy between DOACs and warfarin.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

This review provides clinicians with a comprehensive literature review surrounding DOAC use in common off-label indications.

CONCLUSION

DOACs can be considered for AF complicated by VHD except for mitral stenosis or mechanical valve replacement. DOACs (especially rivaroxaban) are considered as an alternative therapy for SVT and CTEPH. Further prospective studies for DOAC uses are needed for HF or LVT.

Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in the Treatment of Left Ventricular Thrombi: A Systematic Review

The off-label use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the treatment of left ventricular thrombi has grown over the past several years given the ease of administration, absence of a requirement for international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring, and freedom from dietary restrictions; however, the evidence for their safety and efficacy is contradictory. We systematically searched PubMed and Google Scholar from January 1, 2009, to April 25, 2020, for studies of DOACs for treatment of left ventricular thrombi. Fifty-three articles (of 1,168 patients) met our inclusion criteria. We found that the studies have reached conflicting results; based on our findings, their routine use for the treatment of left ventricular thrombi cannot be recommended. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the safest and most effective treatment for left ventricular thrombi.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants in the Treatment of Left Ventricular Thrombus: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study and Meta-Analysis of Existing Data

AIM

To compare the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) relative to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for the treatment of left ventricular thrombus (LVT).

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with LVT from 2014-2017. Patient characteristics and outcomes within 12 months of LVT diagnosis were recorded and analyzed. A meta-analysis was also performed by pooling our results with existing data in literature.

RESULTS

14 DOAC and 59 VKA patients were included. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar except for age. Although more strokes within 12 months occurred in VKA (15%) than in DOAC (0%) patients, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.189). There were no significant differences in outcomes between patients on DOAC and VKA for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (7%, vs 3.4%, P = .477), LVT resolution (86% vs 76%, P = .499) or bleeding (14% vs 14%, P = 1) within 12 months. The meta-analysis included 6 studies (n = 408 for DOACs; n = 1207 for VKA). There were no significant differences between DOACs versus VKAs with respect to odds for unresolved thrombus (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.26,1.41), embolic events (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.90,1.69), embolic events and death (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.84,1.45) or bleeding events (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.74,1.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study and meta-analysis suggest similar efficacy and safety of DOACs in the treatment of LVT compared to VKA. These findings underscore the need for a randomized controlled trial.

Biventricular Thrombi in Substance-Induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy

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Biventricular thrombi are a rare clinical entity.

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Characterization of intracardiac masses using multiple advanced imaging modalities.

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Optimal treatment for biventricular thrombi remains unclear.

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Review management options for treating intraventricular thrombi.

Rationale and design of a prospective multi-center randomized trial of EARLY treatment by rivaroxaban versus warfarin in ST-segment elevation MYOcardial infarction with Left Ventricular Thrombus (EARLY-MYO-LVT trial)

Background

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT), a common complication of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is associated with increased risk of systemic embolism and high mortality. Current STEMI guidelines recommend adding anticoagulant therapy to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) if early-formulated LVT were detected, for which vitamin K antagonist (VKA) is the standard anticoagulant agent. The role of non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in this scenario is uncertain.

Methods

The EARLY-MYO-LVT study will be a prospective, multi-center and randomized trial designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin in the treatment of post-STEMI LVT. It will enroll 280 patients with STEMI who have developed LVT within the first month of symptom onset. They will be randomized at 1:1 ratio into the group of rivaroxaban 15 mg daily or VKA treatment (with targeted INR 2–2.5) on the basis of standard DAPT (100 mg daily aspirin plus 75 mg daily clopidogrel) for 3–6 months. The primary efficacy endpoint will be the probability of LVT resolution after 3-month triple therapy, and the principal safety outcome will be the incidence of major bleeding events during the treatment.

Discussion

The described study will systemically assess the efficacy and safety of NOACs-based anticoagulant therapy in the treatment of LVT subsequent to STEMI.

Trial registration

The EARLY-MYO-LVT trial (Clinical trial number: NCT03764241).

Efficacy of Direct Acting Oral Anticoagulants in Treatment of Left Ventricular Thrombus

Direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used as off-label alternatives to vitamin K antagonists for the treatment of left ventricular (LV) thrombus. However, efficacy data is limited to small case series and one meta-analysis of case reports. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of DOACs in treatment of LV thrombus utilizing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and clinical outcomes. We identified 52 patients (mean age = 64 years, 71% men) treated with a DOAC for LV thrombus (n = 26 apixaban, n = 24 rivaroxaban, and n = 2 dabigatran). Thirty-five of the 52 patients had a follow-up TTE after DOAC initiation. The primary end point was defined as resolution of LV thrombus (in patients with a subsequent TTE), or death, major bleeding requiring transfusion, intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, or peripheral embolization. An experienced echocardiographer (M.L.M.) reviewed all TTEs for presence or absence of LV thrombus without knowledge of time point or clinical data. Twenty-nine of the 35 (83%) patients who underwent follow-up TTE had resolution of LV thrombus, with a mean duration of 264 days. Of the total study population, there was 1 cardioembolic event (transient ischemic attack) 52 days after initiating DOAC, 3 gastrointestinal bleeds requiring transfusion, and 1 patient with epistaxis requiring transfusion. All patients with a hemorrhagic complication were receiving concomitant antiplatelet therapy. DOAC therapy appears promising for the treatment of LV thrombus. A larger, prospective study is warranted to confirm these results.

Dabigatran Added to Dual Antiplatelet Therapy to Treat a Left Ventricular Thrombus in an 87 Year Old Patient With Myocardial Infarction and Very High Bleeding Risk

Background: A left ventricular (LV) thrombus is detected in approximately 5-10% of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). If left untreated, these LV thrombi carry a significant risk of complications including embolic stroke. According to current guidelines, anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is recommended to treat a LV thrombus. Case presentation: An 87 year old patient was referred to our department with non ST-elevation MI. Five months before, he had been diagnosed with a subacute ST elevation MI, which had been treated conservatively. Recently, a rectal neoplasia had been diagnosed, but not operated yet. The patient underwent coronary angiography with implantation of two drug eluting stents (Cre8) requiring dual antiplatelet therapy. During ventriculography an apical LV thrombus of 16 mm diameter was detected. Due to the high bleeding risk in this patient, VKA therapy with potentially fluctuating international normalized ratio (INR) values was considered unsuitable. Therefore, dabigatran at a dose of 110 mg bid was chosen as anticoagulation therapy. After 4 weeks, cardiac computed tomography was performed, which failed to detect the LV thrombus described previously. Notably, triple therapy with dabigatran, clopidogrel, and aspirin was well tolerated without evidence for bleeding. The surgical resection of the rectal neoplasm was performed 2 months later without bleeding complications. Discussion: Anticoagulation is effective in patients with MI and a LV thrombus in reducing the risk of embolization and in dissolving the thrombus. Our case is complex due to the required triple therapy, very old age and significant bleeding risk of our patient due to the rectal neoplasia. Although only few reports are available for the use of non VKA oral anticoagulants (NOAC) in this indication, we chose dabigatran at a dose of 110 mg bid added to dual antiplatelet therapy for our patient. Besides the advantage of a predictable pharmacokinetic profile of NOAC in contrast to VKA, the effect of dabigatran can rapidly be reversed by idaruzicumab in the case of severe bleeding. Conclusion remarks: Physicians should carefully weigh the risk of thromboembolic events versus the risk of bleeding when combining antiplatelet with anticoagulation therapy.