Incidence of post myocardial infarction left ventricular thrombus formation in the era of primary percutaneous intervention and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. A prospective observational study

• Main Authors: Gardin Julius, Ali Arshad, Ahmed Sujood, Rosman Howard, Kanwar Manpreet, Rehan Arshad, Cohen Gerald
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2006-04-01
• Series: Cardiovascular Ultrasound
• Online Access: http://www.cardiovascularultrasound.com/content/4/1/20

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Before the widespread use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GP IIb/IIIa) left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation had been reported to complicate up to 20% of acute myocardial infarctions (AMI). The incidence of LV thrombus formation with these treatment modalities is not well known.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>92 consecutive patients with ST-elevation AMI treated with PCI and GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors underwent 2-D echocardiograms, with and without echo contrast agent, within 24–72 hours.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Only 4/92 (4.3%) had an LV thrombus, representing a significantly lower incidence than that reported in the pre-PCI era. Use of contrast agents did not improve detection of LV thrombi in our study.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The incidence of LV thrombus formation after acute MI, in the current era of rapid reperfusion, is lower than what has been historically reported.</p>