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Left ventricular thrombi in the presence of normal left ventricular function
S Sivasankaran1, S Harikrishnan, J M Tharakan
1Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Indian Heart Journal
|June 28, 2002
Summary
Left ventricular thrombi are rare but significant, even with normal heart function. Two cases, one in a teen with autoimmune markers and another in an adult with hypereosinophilic syndrome, resolved with anticoagulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Left ventricular thrombi (LVT) are typically associated with impaired ventricular function.
- Identifying LVT in patients with preserved ejection fraction is uncommon.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old male with positive anticardiolipin and antinuclear antibodies presented with an incidentally found LVT.
- A 30-year-old male experiencing a transient ischemic attack was diagnosed with hypereosinophilic syndrome and an LVT.
Findings:
- Both patients demonstrated LVT on routine echocardiography despite normal left ventricular function.
- Anticoagulant therapy led to the resolution of LVT in both cases within days.
- No embolic events were observed in either patient during the study period.
Implications:
- This case series underscores the importance of considering LVT even in the absence of systolic dysfunction.
- Autoimmune conditions and hematologic disorders like hypereosinophilic syndrome are potential risk factors for LVT.
- Prompt anticoagulation appears effective in managing LVT in these specific clinical scenarios.