[Clinical, echocardiographic features, management and prognosis of left ventricular thrombi: retrospective...

To analyze the clinical and echocardiographic features, as well as the prognosis of patients hospitalized for left ventricular thrombi.

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Cardiology Department of the Bogodogo University Hospital Center. The study period, which extended from January 1, 2017, to October 31, 2023, aimed to achieve both descriptive and analytical objectives. The study population consisted of all hospitalized patients diagnosed with left ventricular thrombi, regardless of the underlying cardiac pathology. Data collection focused on clinical characteristics, echocardiographic parameters, and in-hospital mortality outcomes.

Sixty-five patients were included. Underlying heart conditions were mostly cardiomyopathies: Ischemic, idiopathic, and peripartum. Thrombi were considered high embolic risk in 49.2% of cases. In-hospital mortality was 23%. The mobility or floating nature of the thrombi did not influence mortality. Factors associated with in-hospital death were dyspnea of at least stage 3 and cardiogenic shock.

Left ventricular thrombi are common to ischemic, idiopathic, and peripartum cardiomyopathy. They don't increase in-hospital but do increase morbidity.