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Left ventricular thrombi identified by cross-sectional echocardiography
Annals of Internal Medicine
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Two-dimensional echocardiography effectively detects left ventricular thrombi in patients with myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy. This imaging technique differentiates between recent and chronic thrombi, aiding in diagnosis and characterization.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Left ventricular thrombi (LVT) are a complication of anterior myocardial infarction and congestive cardiomyopathy.
- Accurate diagnosis of LVT is crucial for preventing systemic emboli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of two-dimensional echocardiography (2D echo) for detecting left ventricular thrombi.
- To assess the ability of 2D echo to differentiate between recent and chronic thrombi.
Main Methods:
- Studied 25 patients with anterior myocardial infarction and 2 with congestive cardiomyopathy.
- Compared 2D echo findings with cineangiography and surgical confirmation where available.
- Analyzed echocardiographic characteristics of thrombi in different patient groups.
Main Results:
- 2D echo visualized apical thrombi in all 5 coronary patients with systemic emboli.
- Cineangiography was equivocal or negative for thrombi in some embolus patients.
- 2D echo differentiated irregular, recent thrombi from circumscribed, chronic thrombi.
Conclusions:
- Two-dimensional echocardiography is a valuable tool for detecting left ventricular thrombi.
- 2D echo can characterize thrombi based on their configuration, aiding in clinical management.