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Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Challenges in management of left ventricular thrombus
Fuad Habash1, Srikanth Vallurupalli2
1Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
Insights
Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) poses a stroke risk. Current management strategies for LVT are outdated, despite improved detection, highlighting the need for updated clinical guidelines and further research.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a complication of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.
- LVT can lead to serious thromboembolic events, including stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine current controversies in the diagnosis and management of left ventricular thrombus.
- To address clinical uncertainties in LVT management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines.
- Analysis of diagnostic advancements and therapeutic challenges in LVT.
Main Results:
- Despite improved LVT detection, management is often based on pre-modern therapy studies.
- Significant uncertainties persist regarding optimal LVT diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for updated clinical practice guidelines for LVT management.
- Prospective studies are essential to advance the understanding and therapy of left ventricular thrombus.
Abstract:
Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) complicates both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies and is a potential cause of thromboembolic complications such as stroke. Management of LVT in the 21st century is primarily based on studies before the widespread use of potent pharmacological and interventional therapies such as primary percutaneous coronary intervention, especially in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. Though advances in diagnostic technology have improved detection of LVT, clinicians face several uncertainties in the management of LVT in daily practice. The aim of this paper is to examine several controversies in the diagnosis and management of LVT. Prospective studies are needed to advance therapy of LVT.
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