Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Failure of Direct Oral Anticoagulation in Preventing Left Ventricular Thrombus Progression After Myocardial
Andreas Merz1,2,3, Daniel Armando Morris1,2,3, Henryk Dreger1,2,3
1Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Insights
Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) can form after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), even with mild dysfunction. A case showed LVT progression despite Apixaban, highlighting individualized anticoagulant choice and monitoring needs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a serious complication following acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- Regional wall motion abnormalities are key predictors of LVT development.
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used, but data on their interchangeability with traditional therapies like vitamin K antagonists are limited.
Abstract:
Background and Clinical Significance: Left ventricular thrombus formation after acute coronary syndrome represents a severe complication. Comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of the entire ventricle is essential, as regional wall motion abnormalities predispose to thrombus development. Although vitamin K antagonists have traditionally been the cornerstone of therapy, the convenience of direct oral anticoagulants has made them increasingly popular. However, the paucity of prospective data raises concerns regarding their general interchangeability. Case Presentation: We present a case of a basal left ventricular thrombus that rapidly progressed in size despite triple antithrombotic therapy including Apixaban. Conclusions: Following ACS, regional LV dysfunction predisposes to LVT formation-even in patients with only mild to moderate systolic impairment or non-apical akinesia. Although rare, LVT may also develop in basal and mid-ventricular segments. Anticoagulant selection should remain individualized, and short-term follow-up imaging is necessary to monitor therapeutic response.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

