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Review
. 2019 Aug;10(4):207-210.
doi: 10.14740/cr892. Epub 2019 Jul 31.

Lambl's Excrescences: Current Diagnosis and Management

Ganesh Kumar K Ammannaya  1
Affiliations
Review

Lambl's Excrescences: Current Diagnosis and Management

Ganesh Kumar K Ammannaya. Cardiol Res. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Lambl's excrescences (LEs) are unusual, yet significant etiology of thromboembolism. LEs are fibrous valvular strands typically occurring at coaptation lines of the left-sided valves. These occur from wear and tear of the valves and comprise of a dense core of collagenous and elastic fibrils enclosed by endothelium. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) remains the gold standard in its diagnosis. Asymptomatic LEs are closely monitored, while symptomatic lesions with history of thromboembolism are managed with antiplatelet drugs or are anticoagulated. Surgery is indicated in case of recurrent thromboembolic episodes occurring while on medications.

Keywords: Lambl’s excrescences; Thromboembolism; Transesophageal echocardiography; Valvular strands.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Current practices in the management of LE. TEE: transesophageal echocardiography; TIA: transient ischemic attack; CVA: cerebrovascular accident; DAPT: dual antiplatelet therapy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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