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Updated: Aug 18, 2025

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
An unusually large left ventricular thrombus complicating anterior myocardial infarction: the value of multimodality
Lifa Dhlamini1, Ruchika Meel1, Mashudu Nethononda1
1Division of Cardiology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Insights
The incidence of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) after myocardial infarction (MI) is decreasing but remains a risk factor. Multimodality imaging is crucial for managing LVT in anterior MI cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Revascularisation has reduced left ventricular thrombus (LVT) incidence post-myocardial infarction (MI).
- LVT remains an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality.
- Current treatments include vitamin K antagonists and newer non-vitamin K antagonists.
Observation:
- This case report details an anterior MI complicated by a large LVT.
- Multimodality imaging was utilized for surveillance.
- The patient's management was carefully considered.
Findings:
- The study highlights the importance of multimodality imaging in diagnosing and monitoring LVT.
- Effective management strategies for LVT in the context of MI were employed.
- The case illustrates successful surveillance and treatment of a large LVT.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the continued relevance of LVT surveillance despite declining incidence.
- Demonstrates the critical role of advanced imaging in LVT management.
- Provides insights into therapeutic approaches for complex LVT cases post-MI.
Abstract:
Since the emergence of revascularisation for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), the incidence of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) has been declining. However, despite this, it is independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. The mainstay of treatment is vitamin K antagonists, although non-vitamin K antagonists have been shown to be effective. Imaging plays an important role in the surveillance of LVT subsequent to MI. Herein, we emphasise the utility of multimodality imaging of a case of anterior MI complicated by a large LVT, and detail its management.
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Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...

