Echocardiographic Predictors of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus Formation

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 499-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srilatha Ayirala ◽  
Simi Kumar ◽  
David M. O'Sullivan ◽  
David I. Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus

A Stunning Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus

Cardiology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 134 (4) ◽  
pp. 394-397
Author(s):  
Sajid Ali ◽  
Justin Ugwu ◽  
Yousuf Kanjwal
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Atrial Flutter ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Transesophageal Echocardiogram ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus

Background: Left atrial appendage thrombus formation is a known major complication of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter which increases the risk of embolism and stroke. This risk of thrombosis is greatly increased with a lack of anticoagulation. After conversion to a normal sinus rhythm in these arrhythmias, the risk of thrombus formation in the left atrium persists through a phenomenon termed atrial myocardial stunning. Case: We present the case of a patient who previously underwent successful pulmonary vein isolation and was found to be in typical isthmus-dependent atrial flutter with a questionable recurrence of atrial fibrillation. The decision was made to return for atrial flutter ablation and for evaluation of prior pulmonary vein isolation. Initially, a transesophageal echocardiogram showed a normal ejection fraction, biatrial enlargement and no left atrial appendage thrombus. Ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus was successfully accomplished with documented bidirectional block. A transesophageal echocardiogram probe was still in place prior to planned transseptal puncture for the evaluation of pulmonary veins. A large thrombus was now observed filling the left atrial appendage. Conclusion and Objective: Atrial stunning is a transient atrial contractile dysfunction that occurs whether sinus rhythm is restored spontaneously, electrically, pharmacologically or by ablation. We know after conversion that there is higher propensity to increased spontaneous echogenic contrast and decreased velocities; however, we do not have documented knowledge of exactly how soon after the conversion to a sinus rhythm a thrombus may be seen. We demonstrate a case of acute left atrial appendage thrombus formation immediately following the successful ablation of isthmus-dependent atrial flutter. Our report validates the belief that strategies of not interrupting anticoagulation prior to the conversion of these arrhythmias should be implemented.

Management of thrombus formation after electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1358-1366
Author(s):  
Thomas Fink ◽  
Feifan Ouyang ◽  
Christian-Hendrik Heeger ◽  
Vanessa Sciacca ◽  
Bruno Reissmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Cerebral Protection ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Protection Device ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus ◽  
Electrical Isolation

Abstract Aims Left atrial appendage (LAA) electrical isolation (LAAEI) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation is an emerging catheter-based therapy to treat symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Previous studies found high incidences of LAA thrombus formation after LAAEI. This study sought to analyse therapeutic strategies aiming at the resolution of LAA thrombi and prevention of thromboembolism. Methods and results Left atrial appendage electrical isolation was conducted via creation of left atrial linear lesions or cryoballoon ablation. Follow-up including transoesophageal echocardiography was conducted. In patients with LAA thrombus, oral anticoagulation (OAC) was adjusted until thrombus resolution was documented. Percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) under use of a cerebral protection device was conducted in case of medically refractory LAA thrombi. Left atrial appendage thrombus was documented in 54 of 239 analysed patients who had undergone LAAEI. Thrombus resolution was documented in 39/51 patients (72.2%) with available follow-up after adjustment of OAC. Twenty-nine patients underwent LAAC and 10 patients were kept on OAC after LAAEI. No thromboembolic events or further LAA thrombi were documented after 553 ± 443 days of follow-up in these patients. Persistent LAA thrombi despite adaption of OAC was documented in 12/51 patients. One patient remained on OAC until the end of follow-up, while LAAC with a cerebral protection device was performed in 11 patients in the presence of LAA thrombus without complications. Conclusion Left atrial appendage thrombus formation is common after LAAEI. Adjustment of OAC leads to LAA thrombus resolution in most patients. Left atrial appendage closure in the presence of LAA thrombi might be a feasible option in case of failed medical treatment.

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