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[The relationship between left atrial thrombus and hematological markers in patients with chronic non-rheumatic

K Nakajima1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Asama General Hospital.

Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Geriatrics
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Elevated fibrinogen, D-dimer (DD), and fibrin degradation product E (FDP-E) levels are linked to left atrial thrombus in non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation (NRAf) patients. A scoring system using these markers predicts thrombus presence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation (NRAf) is associated with an increased risk of left atrial thrombus formation.
  • Hematological variables play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between specific hematological variables and the presence of left atrial thrombus in patients with chronic NRAf.
  • To evaluate the predictive value of fibrinogen, D-dimer (DD), and fibrin degradation product E (FDP-E) levels for left atrial thrombus detection.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 122 patients with chronic NRAf underwent transesophageal echocardiography to identify left atrial thrombi.
  • Hematological parameters including fibrinogen, DD, and FDP-E levels were measured and correlated with thrombus presence.
  • A scoring system was developed based on the levels of fibrinogen, DD, and FDP-E to assess thrombus risk.

Main Results:

  • Left atrial thrombi were detected in 23% of the patients.
  • Significantly higher levels of fibrinogen, DD, and FDP-E were observed in patients with left atrial thrombi compared to those without.
  • The developed scoring system showed a strong correlation with the prevalence of left atrial thrombi, with higher scores indicating increased risk (up to 75% prevalence in the highest score group).

Conclusions:

  • Fibrinogen, DD, and FDP-E levels are significant hematological markers associated with left atrial thrombus in NRAf patients.
  • The combined assessment of these markers using a scoring system can aid in predicting the likelihood of left atrial thrombus.
  • These findings highlight the potential of hematological profiling for risk stratification in NRAf management.

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