Fibrinolytic treatment in left ventricular mobile thrombi with low ejection fraction: results and follow-up of seven cases.

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular mobile thrombi carry high risk of embolism and need early treatment in which the appropriate treatment is still controversial. Because most patients with mobile thrombi have low ejection fraction and also accompanying heart failure symptoms, decision of surgical treatment is not always easy and thus effective medical treatment is crucial.

METHOD

In this paper we present, treatment and follow-up of seven patients with mobile thrombi who underwent fibrinolytic treatment between 2002 and 2006.

RESULTS

In four cases, mobile thrombi disappeared completely while echocardiographically regressed to lower size with decreased mobility in the other three patients. On 6th month follow-up, complete lysis of the thrombi in six patients was observed with warfarin treatment. No major complications were seen in the patients.

CONCLUSION

In case of mobile left ventricular thrombi with concomitant low ejection fraction and heart failure fibrinolytic treatment might be a therapeutic option.