Prediction of apical thrombus formation in acute myocardial infarction based on left ventricular spatial flow pattern.

The predictive value of the left ventricular spatial flow pattern for thrombus formation was determined in 62 patients with acute myocardial infarction. A normal flow pattern by pulsed Doppler echocardiography was characterized by 1) simultaneous onset of blood motion at the mitral valve and apical level, and 2) a discontinuous Doppler signal along the lateral wall and interventricular septum. The flow pattern was assessed by these criteria, within 24 h after the onset of complaints and after 6 and 12 weeks. In 46 of the 62 patients, a normal flow pattern was found at the first examination; none of these 46 patients developed a thrombus during the study period. An abnormal flow pattern was seen at the first examination in 16 patients; this pattern normalized during follow-up in 6 patients, none of whom developed a thrombus. In the other 10 patients the abnormal flow pattern persisted, and 7 of these developed a thrombus. These findings suggest that a normal left ventricular flow pattern in the setting of acute myocardial infarction is not associated with subsequent thrombus formation. This observation may be of importance if anticoagulation is considered.