The prognostic effect of left ventricular thrombus formation after acute myocardial infarction in the contemporary era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Backgrounds: The prognosis and management of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have not been well evaluated since the advent of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic effect of LVT after AMI in primary PCI era and investigate the impact of triple therapy on outcomes.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for studies conducted in primary PCI era up to 29 March 2019, compering the incidence of embolic events and mortality after AMI between LVT patients and Non-LVT patients. Random-effect models were used. Subgroup analysis was done by comparing triple therapy treated LVT group with Non-LVT group.

Result: A total of 12 studies were included. LVT was associated with increased risk of embolic events and long-term mortality (RR 3.97, 95%CI 2.68-5.89, P < 0.0001; RR 2.34, 95%CI 1.38-3.96, P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis was also done by comparing triple therapy treated LVT group with Non-LVT group. Despite a downward tendency was observed, the embolic risk of triple therapy subgroup was higher than non-LVT group (RR 2.79, 95%CI 1.32-5.91, P = 0.007). Triple therapy subgroup had a similar mortality rate compared with non-LVT group (RR 0.93, 95%CI 0.34-2.52, P = 0.88).

Conclusion: In primary PCI era, LVT formation after AMI indicated a fourfold increased embolic risk and twofold long-term mortality rate. Triple therapy may be a safe way to improve the outcomes, but still need to be confirmed by future trials.

Keywords: Acute myocardial infarction; Left ventricular thrombus; Primary PCI; Prognosis.