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Published on: February 28, 2012
Prevalence of intraatrial thrombus in patients with atrial flutter
M Bikkina1, M A Alpert, M Mulekar
1Division of Cardiology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile 36617, USA.
Insights
Left atrial thrombus is common in patients with atrial flutter. Male sex and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction predict thrombus formation in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Atrial flutter is a common arrhythmia.
- Left atrial thrombus is a significant complication associated with atrial arrhythmias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of left atrial thrombus in patients hospitalized with atrial flutter.
- To identify predictors of left atrial thrombus in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients with atrial flutter.
- Assessment for left atrial thrombus using imaging modalities.
- Statistical analysis to determine predictors of thrombus formation.
Main Results:
- Left atrial thrombus occurs with disproportionately high frequency in patients hospitalized with atrial flutter.
- Male gender was identified as a predictor of left atrial thrombus.
- A left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% was also a significant predictor.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial thrombus is a frequent finding in patients hospitalized with atrial flutter.
- Clinicians should consider male sex and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction when assessing risk for left atrial thrombus in these patients.
Abstract:
In summary, left atrial thrombus occurs with disproportionately high frequency in patients hospitalized with atrial flutter. Male gender and a left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% are predictors of left atrial thrombus formation in such patients.
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