Relation between early mitral regurgitation and left ventricular thrombus formation after acute myocardial infarction: results of the GISSI-3 echo substudy

Incidence and Risk Factors of Left Ventricular Thrombus in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Left ventricular thrombosis (LVT) is a common complication of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study attempted to synthesize the available evidence to understand the incidence and risk factors of LVT in acute STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies published from January 2001 to January 2022. The random-effects and fixed-effects model meta-analysis estimated pooled incidence, mean difference (MD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). The Review Manager 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis performance.

RESULTS

The results of meta-analysis showed that the incidence of LVT in acute STEMI treated by primary PCI was 4% (95% CI [0.03, 0.05]), and the overall pooled incidence in patients with anterior STEMI was 10.0% (95% CI [0.07, 0.12]). Anterior STEMI (OR = 11.93, 95% CI [6.25, 22.78], p = 0.0003), left anterior descending-related infarct (OR = 6.85, 95% CI [3.70, 12.66], p < 0.00001), left ventricular wall motion abnormalities (OR = 7.53, 95% CI [3.18, 17.82], p < 0.00001), and lower post-PCI LVEF (MD = 13.78, 95% CI [12.15, 15.41], p < 0.00001) were risk factors for post-PCI LVT.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of LVT after acute STEMI in the PCI era remains high. This study provides a preliminary overview of STEMI patients at risk for post-PCI LVT and will help the design of prospective randomized controlled trials for the management and prevention of LVT.

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.

Left ventricular thrombosis: new perspectives on an old problem

Left ventricular thrombosis (LVT) is a major risk factor for systemic thromboembolism and might complicate both the acute and the chronic phase of ischaemic heart disease after myocardial infarction and, less frequently, non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies. The pathophysiology of thrombus formation is complex and involves the three aspects of Virchow's triad: blood stasis, prothrombotic state, and tissue injury. Advances in technology have improved the detection rate of intracardiac thrombi, but several uncertainties still remain regarding the optimal treatment strategy within daily clinical practice. Of note, anticoagulation therapy with heparin and vitamin K antagonists decreases the risk of embolic stroke though exposing patients to an undeniable risk of bleeding complications. Although limited data on the off-label use of direct oral anticoagulants have reported safety and efficacy for LVT resolution, yet more evidence is needed to justify their use in clinical practice.

Echocardiographic measures associated with the presence of left ventricular thrombus in patients with chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have not evaluated the prevalence and specific risk factors for the development of left ventricular (LV) thrombus in patients with severely reduced left ventricular dysfunction due to chemotherapy-related cardiomyopathy. We sought to evaluate the prevalence and potential markers of LV thrombus in this patient population.

METHODS

From January 2009 to December 2013, patients with chemotherapy-related severe LV dysfunction (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 30%) identified from MD Anderson Cancer Center database were reviewed. Patient characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed to determine potential risk factors for LV thrombus.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients met inclusion criteria (age 54.8 ± 15.2 years; female 63.6%; LVEF 26.3 ± 4%). LV thrombus was present in 9 patients (7.4%). Patients with LV thrombus have significantly lower LVEF compared to those without (18.7 ± 3.8% vs 26.9 ± 3.4%, P < .0001). Prevalence of LV thrombus increased as LVEF decreased and was the highest in patients with LVEF < 20%. By univariate analysis, decreased LVEF, particularly LVEF < 20% (OR 36.30, 95% CI 7.35-179.25, P < .0001) and restrictive LV filling pattern (OR 18.13, 95% CI 4.17-78.89, P = .0001) were associated with presence of LV thrombus.

CONCLUSION

In patients with severely reduced LV systolic function due to chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, LV thrombus was found in 7.4% of subjects. Severely decreased LVEF (<20%) and restrictive LV filling pattern were associated with the presence of LV thrombus.

Clinical predictors and outcomes of patients with left ventricular thrombus following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

We aimed to characterize the independent predictors of LVT following STEMI and the association with outcomes. The clinical predictors of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are not well-defined in the contemporary era. We performed a retrospective analysis of STEMI patients at Duke from 2000 to 2011 who had a transthoracic echocardiogram within 90 days post-STEMI and compared patients with and without LVT (LVT+ vs. LVT-). Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression models of baseline characteristics were examined and significant variables were used in a multivariable model to assess adjusted relationships with LVT. A multivariable Cox PH survival model with covariate adjustments was used for assessment of LVT and long-term mortality. Of all eligible patients, 1734 patients met inclusion criteria and 4.3 % (N = 74) had a LVT. LVT+ patients tended to have a history of heart failure (HF) and higher initial troponin compared to LVT- patients. After adjustment, higher heart rate, non-white race, HF severity, and presence of left anterior descending artery (LAD) disease were independent predictors of LVT. There was a trend toward an association between LVT and increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.36; 95 % CI 0.84-2.21, P = 0.22), however this was not statistically significant. LVT was seen in over 4 % of this contemporary post-STEMI population. Several baseline characteristics were independently associated with LVT: Heart rate, HF severity, LAD disease, and non-white race. Prospective studies are warranted to determine whether anticoagulation in patients at increased risk for LVT improves outcomes.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Left Ventricular Thrombus after Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Matched Case-control Study

Background:

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is reported to be a common complication in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. And it has the potential to cause systemic embolism. This retrospective study was to present the current situation of LVT in clinical practice, as well as to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the risk factors of LVT after AMI.

Methods:

LVT cases (n = 96) were identified from 13,732 AMI (non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was excluded) patients in Fuwai Hospital's electronic medical records system from January 2003 to January 2013. The controls (n = 192) were gender- and age-matched AMI patients without LVT during this period. A conditional logistic regression (fitted by the Cox model) was performed to identify the independent risk factors.

Results:

The incidence of LVT after AMI was 0.7%. Univariate analysis indicated that the anterior myocardial infarction (especially extensive anterior myocardial infarction), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LVEF ≤40%, severe regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA), pericardial effusion, and left ventricular aneurysm were all related to LVT after AMI. The independent risk factors obtained from the conditional logistic regression analysis were lower LVEF (odds ratio (OR) = 0.891, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.828–0.960), extensive anterior myocardial infarction (OR = 6.403, 95% CI: 1.769–23.169), severe RWMA (OR = 7.348, 95% CI: 1.323–40.819), and left ventricular aneurysm (OR = 6.955, 95% CI: 1.673–28.921).

Conclusions:

This study indicated that lower LVEF, extensive anterior myocardial infarction, severe RWMA, and left ventricular aneurysm were independent risk factors of LVT after AMI. It also suggested that further efforts are needed for the LVT diagnosis after AMI in clinical practice.

Incidence of early left ventricular thrombus after acute anterior wall myocardial infarction in the primary coronary intervention era

BACKGROUND

Rapid reperfusion has been shown to decrease mortality and improve left ventricular (LV) function. Previous studies have reported that LV thrombus (LVT) is a major complication of ST-segment elevation acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (AMI). There are little data on LVT in the current primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) era. We sought to demonstrate the incidence of LVT after AMI in patients treated with PPCI compared with those treated with thrombolysis or with conservative management.

METHODS

In a 6-year period, 642 patients with anterior wall AMI and echocardiography were treated with PPCI (n = 297), thrombolysis (n = 128), or conservative treatment (n = 217). Left ventricular thrombus was defined as an echodense mass adjacent to an abnormally contracting myocardial segment.

RESULTS

The rate of LVT among anterior wall AMI was 6.2%. Predictors for LVT were reduced ejection fraction (adjusted relative risk 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.96) and severe mitral regurgitation (adjusted relative risk 2.48, 95% CI 1.0-6.44). There was no statistical difference in LVT rate according to treatment: 21 (7.1%) of 297 patients in the PPCI group, 10 (7.8%) of 128 patients in the thrombolytic group, and 9 (4.1%) of 217 patients in the conservative group (P = .28). Those in the thrombolytic group were characterized by shorter duration from symptom onset and were generally also treated with heparin/low-molecular weight heparin.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest report to evaluate the incidence of LVT formation after AMI. In the current era of rapid reperfusion by PPCI, the rate of thrombus formation is similar to that reported in the past and not different than for patients currently treated conservatively or with thrombolysis.

Improved detection of left ventricular thrombi and spontaneous echocontrast by tissue harmonic imaging in patients with myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Tissue harmonic imaging (THI) reduces near-field and side-lobe artifacts. This could improve recognition of cardiac masses, including thrombi and spontaneous echocontrast (SEC), a known thromboembolic risk factor.

OBJECTIVES

We tested the hypothesis that THI improves detection of left ventricular (LV) thrombi and SEC compared with transthoracic fundamental imaging in patients with recent myocardial infarction.

METHODS

In all, 118 consecutive patients with recent myocardial infarction were studied at predischarge. The echocardiographic examination was performed in both fundamental imaging and THI modality and evaluated by 3 skilled and 3 nonexperienced observers for recognition of LV thrombosis and SEC.

RESULTS

THI increased LV thrombi diagnosis by 25% by skilled observers and by 50% by nonexperienced readers, reducing the number of false-positive diagnoses by 67%. Also, compared with fundamental imaging, THI improved recognition of LV SEC by both experienced and nonexperienced observers by 56% and 62%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The improved recognition of LV thrombosis and SEC by THI in patients with myocardial infarction is clinically relevant allowing appropriate treatment and prognostic stratification. Therefore, routine use of THI should be recommended when studying such patients in clinical practice.

Right ventricular functional recovery after acute myocardial infarction: relation with left ventricular function and interventricular septum motion. GISSI-3 echo substudy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the pattern of right ventricular (RV) functional recovery and its relation with left ventricular (LV) function and interventricular septal (IVS) motion in low risk patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Multicentre clinical trial carried out in 47 Italian coronary care units.

PATIENTS

500 patients from the GISSI (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto Miocardico) -3 echo substudy, who underwent serial echocardiograms 24-48 hours after symptom onset and at discharge, six weeks, and six months after AMI.

RESULTS

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) increased significantly during follow up (mean (SD) 1.79 (0.46) cm at 24-48 hours to 1.92 (0.46) cm at six months, p < 0.001) and the increase was already significant at discharge (1.88 (0.47) cm, p < 0.001). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was the best correlate of TAPSE at 24-48 hours (r = 0.15, p = 0.001). TAPSE increased significantly in patients both with reduced (< 45%) and with preserved (> or = 45%) LVEF, but the magnitude of increase was higher in patients with lower initial LVEF (p = 0.001). Improvement in IVS wall motion score index (IVS-WMSI) was the only independent predictor of TAPSE changes during follow up (r = -0.12, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

In low risk patients after AMI, RV function recovered throughout six months of follow up and was already significant at discharge. TAPSE was significantly related to LVEF at 24-48 hours. The magnitude of RV functional recovery was higher in patients with lower initial LVEF. RV functional recovery is best related to IVS-WMSI improvement, suggesting that IVS motion has an important role in RV functional improvement in this setting.

Left atrium remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (results of the GISSI-3 Echo Substudy)

To evaluate the existence, timing, and determinants of post-infarction left atrial remodeling, we studied a subgroup of 514 patients from the Third Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto Miocardico Echo Substudy who underwent 4 serial 2-dimensional echocardiograms up to 6 months after acute myocardial infarction. This study is the first to demonstrate, in a large series of patients, the existence of early and late left atrial remodeling after low-risk acute myocardial infarction and the relation of left atrial remodeling to left ventricular remodeling.