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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Discordant Antithrombotic Effects of Apixaban in Fibrillating Left Atria vs Post-Myocardial Infarction Left
Yusuke Yamazaki1, Toru Egashira1, Mayu Nozawa1
1Department of Cardiology, Tachikawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Optimal anticoagulation for left ventricular thrombus (LVT) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is debated. A case revealed apixaban
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thrombosis Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) frequently complicates acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
- Optimal anticoagulant therapy for LVT remains a significant clinical question.
Observation:
- A patient with atrial fibrillation developed simultaneous LVT and left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) post-AMI.
- Warfarin optimization initially resolved both thrombi.
- Apixaban suppressed LAAT but LVT recurred, resolving upon warfarin resumption.
Findings:
- Apixaban demonstrated discordant antithrombotic effects on LVT and LAAT in this case.
- This suggests potential differences in the characteristics of simultaneous thrombi.
- Warfarin was effective in resolving recurrent LVT where apixaban failed.
Implications:
- A personalized approach to anticoagulation for LVT may be necessary.
- Therapeutic strategies should consider individual thrombus efficacy.
- Current one-size-fits-all treatment paradigms for LVT may require reevaluation.
Background:
Despite the high prevalence of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) complicated by acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the optimal anticoagulant remains controversial.
Case Summary:
An 84-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation developed an LVT and a left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) 2 months after AMI during suboptimal warfarin therapy. The optimization of warfarin resulted in the resolution of both thrombi, and apixaban was introduced as a safer prophylaxis. While LAAT was successfully suppressed, LVT recurred within a few days. Resuming warfarin resolved the LVT.
Discussion:
We experienced an interesting case of simultaneous LVT and LAAT formation after AMI in which apixaban showed discordant antithrombotic effects. This suggests that the characteristics of both thrombi may differ, and the optimal anticoagulation for LVT may vary on a case-by-case basis.
Take-Home Messages:
A one-size-fits-all approach in treating LVT may need to be reconsidered, and anticoagulation therapy should be tailored based on its efficacy.
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Published on: February 26, 2013
08:10Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
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