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Published on: February 11, 2022
A single-center experience with intracardiac thrombosis in children with dilated cardiomyopathy
Soo-Han Choi1, Soo In Jeong, Ji-Hyuk Yang
1Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 135-710, Korea.
Insights
Intracardiac thrombosis occurs in 6% of children with dilated cardiomyopathy, often during rapid ventricular dysfunction. Early anticoagulation is crucial for preventing serious complications in these high-risk pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hematology
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy in children poses significant risks.
- Intracardiac thrombosis is a life-threatening complication associated with this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of intracardiac thrombosis in pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
- To highlight the importance of early detection and management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records of 83 children diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy between 1995 and 2008.
- Analysis of patient data to identify thrombus formation, location, and associated clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Intracardiac thrombi were identified in 5 patients (6.0%).
- Thrombi were predominantly located in the left ventricle, associated with poor ejection fraction and rapid ventricular function deterioration.
- All patients received heparinization; one underwent thrombectomy, with three achieving complete resolution.
Conclusions:
- Intracardiac thrombosis is a notable complication in children with dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with impaired ventricular function.
- Aggressive anticoagulation and vigilant monitoring are essential for preventing embolic events and managing intracardiac thrombosis in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
Intracardiac thrombosis in patients with a dilated cardiomyopathy can be life threatening. This study investigated the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of intracardiac thrombosis in children with dilated cardiomyopathy. A retrospective review of the clinical records was performed in 83 children with dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosed from January 1995 to December 2008. Intracardiac thrombi were detected in 5 patients (6.0%). The intracardiac thrombi were found mainly in the left ventricle (n = 3). One patient had a thrombus in the left atrium at the time of diagnosis, and a right ventricular thrombus was found in 1 patient with unrepaired ventricular septal defect complicated by pulmonary hypertension. Intracardiac thrombosis developed during rapid deterioration of ventricular function, and all patients had a poor ejection fraction of the left ventricle. All patients were treated with heparinization, and thrombectomy was performed in 1 patient. Three patients achieved complete resolution of the thrombus without further embolic complications. Careful evaluation and aggressive anticoagulation are necessary for the prevention of intracardiac thrombosis in children with poor ventricular function, especially during rapid deterioration of ventricular function.
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