Therapeutic efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists for left ventricular thrombus: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Trial sequential analysis of efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists against left ventricular thrombus

Meta-analysis may increase the risk of random errors. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) has been developed to adjust for these random errors. We conducted TSA on the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in left ventricular thrombus (LVT) patients in order to estimate how many additional patients should be required to draw definite conclusions. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles directly comparing DOACs and VKAs for LVT in LV thrombus resolution, stroke, any thromboembolism, major bleeding, any bleeding, and all-cause death. TSA was conducted with a cumulative Z-curve, monitoring boundaries, and required sample size. A simulated trial was run and TSA estimated the sample sizes of trials needed to draw definite conclusions. Of 4749 articles, 25 studies were used for the analysis. TSA revealed the current sample size already demonstrated superiority of DOACs in LV thrombus resolution and stroke, and futility in any thromboembolism and all-cause death. Two other outcomes did not achieve the required sample size. The sample size of new trials needed to demonstrate the superiority of DOACs over VKAs was estimated 400 for any bleeding. Corresponding trials needed to demonstrate no significant differences could be estimated for major bleeding and any bleeding (n = 200 and n = 2000, respectively). Current results show that the sample size required to draw definite conclusions was not reached for two outcomes, and there was a risk of random error. Further randomized controlled trials with sample sizes estimated by TSA will work effectively to obtain valid conclusions.

Anticoagulation for Left Ventricle Thrombus-Case Series and Literature Review for Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Left ventricular thrombus is a known complication following acute myocardial infarction that can lead to systemic thromboembolism. To obviate the risk of thromboembolism, the patient needs anticoagulation in addition to dual antiplatelet therapy. However, combining antiplatelets with anticoagulants substantially increases the bleeding risk. Traditionally, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been the sheet anchor for anticoagulation in this scenario. The use of direct oral anticoagulants has significantly attenuated the bleeding risk associated with anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Furthermore, in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in conjunction with antiplatelets has been found to be noninferior in reducing ischemic events while significantly attenuating the bleeding compared with VKA. After initial case reports, multiple observational and nonrandomized studies have now safely and effectively utilized direct oral anticoagulants for anticoagulation in left ventricular thrombus. Here, we report a series of two cases presenting with left ventricular thrombus following acute myocardial infarction. In this case series, we try to address the issues concerning the choice and duration of anticoagulation in the case of postinfarct left ventricular thrombus. Pending the results of large randomized control trials, the judicious use of direct oral anticoagulant is warranted when taking into consideration the ischemic and bleeding profile in an individualized approach.

Massive Left Ventricular Thrombus Causing Bilateral Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a major complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we describe the case of a 36-year-old female with a history of acute anterior MI six years prior to hospitalization, who presented with bilateral vision loss due to a bilateral embolic posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke in the setting of a 5.7 x 1.7 cm LVT. She underwent bilateral PCA thrombectomy, which led to improvement of her symptoms. Her LVT was managed non-surgically with apixaban and clopidogrel. Her case highlights the need for more medical education about LVT, as quick initiation of anticoagulation is essential in improving outcomes. We review the existing literature to explain the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of LVT.

Features of Cerebral Infarction Due to Left Ventricular Thrombus

Objective Left ventricular (LV) thrombus is a rare condition in acute cerebral infarction. The prevalence and features of cerebral infarction with LV thrombus are unclear. We explored the features of cerebral infarction due to LV thrombus. Methods In this single-center retrospective study, we investigated consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted within seven days of the onset who had LV thrombus found by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). First, we calculated the prevalence of LV thrombus in patients with cardioembolic stroke (CES). Second, we investigated the baseline characteristics, including the TTE findings and features of cerebral infarction due to LV thrombus. Results From June 2012 to January 2019, a total of 5,693 patients were enrolled. Of these, 1,408 (25%) patients were diagnosed with CES. Of these 1,408 patients with CES, 13 (0.9%) had LV thrombus indicated by TTE, with dilative cardiomyopathy, subacute myocardial infarction, and old myocardial infarction present in 1 (8%), 2 (15%), and 10 (77%), respectively. The ejection fraction (EF) was 48.9% (25.3-64.7%). The maximum longitudinal size of LV thrombus was 13.4 (0.97-38.1) mm, and there was no correlation between the size of the LV thrombus and the EF. Regarding the features of cerebrovascular infarction, major vessel occlusion was observed in 10 (77%) patients. Six (46%) patients were found to have good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at 90 days after the onset. Conclusion LV thrombus was seen in 0.9% of patients with CES. Many of the patients with LV thrombus had major vessel occlusion.