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Published on: February 28, 2012

Influence of warfarin therapy on left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

T Ito1, M Suwa, T Nakamura

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Japan.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|October 8, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Warfarin therapy did not affect left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Echocardiography showed no changes in echo contrast intensity after 1-2 months of warfarin treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrium is associated with thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation.
  • Warfarin is a common anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of warfarin therapy on left atrial spontaneous echo contrast.

Main Methods:

  • Serial transesophageal echocardiography with integrated backscatter analysis was performed.
  • 12 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation receiving warfarin therapy were studied.

Main Results:

  • Integrated backscatter intensity of the left atrial cavity showed no significant change.
  • No influence of warfarin therapy on spontaneous echo contrast was observed after 1-2 months.

Conclusions:

  • Warfarin therapy does not appear to influence left atrial spontaneous echo contrast.
  • Further research may be needed to confirm these findings in a larger cohort.

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