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Left ventricular thrombi in children with dilated cardiomyopathy
1Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, ROC.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy face a risk of left ventricular (LV) thrombi and systemic embolization. Lower ejection fraction may increase this risk, leading to poor outcomes even with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Thrombosis
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy in children can lead to serious complications.
- Left ventricular thrombi (LV thrombi) are a potential complication.
- Understanding the characteristics of LV thrombi is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the nature and course of left ventricular thrombi in pediatric patients.
- To identify potential risk factors and outcomes associated with LV thrombi in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart and echocardiographic record review.
- Analysis of 32 pediatric patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy between 1986 and 1991.
- Identification of LV thrombi using echocardiographic evidence.
Main Results:
- Five patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were found to have LV thrombi.
- Three patients with LV thrombi experienced systemic embolization and died, despite anticoagulant therapy.
- Patients with LV thrombi showed a trend towards lower ejection fraction.
- Nonprotruding thrombus morphology was observed in patients with systemic embolization.
Conclusions:
- Children with dilated cardiomyopathy are at risk for developing LV thrombi and subsequent systemic embolization.
- Lower ejection fraction may be associated with an increased risk of LV thrombi and embolization.
- Early identification and management strategies for LV thrombi in pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy are warranted.