Resolution of left atrial appendage thrombi: No difference between phenprocoumon and non-vitamin K-dependent oral antagonists.

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation is the most important risk factor for left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi, a potentially life-threatening condition. Thrombus resolution may prevent embolic events and allow rhythm-control strategies, which have been shown to reduce cardiovascular complications.

HYPOTHESIS

There is no significant difference between phenprocoumon and non-Vitamin K-dependent oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the resolution of LAA-thrombi in a real-world setting.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with LAA-thrombi from June 2013 to June 2017 were included in an observational single-center analysis. The primary endpoint was defined as the resolution of the thrombus. The observational period was 1 year. Resolutions rates in patients on phenprocoumon or NOACs were compared and the time to resolution was analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 114 patients with LAA-thrombi. There was no significant difference in the efficacy of resolution between phenprocoumon and NOACs (p = .499) at the time of first control which took place after a mean of 58 ± 42.2 (median 48) days. At first control most thrombi were dissolved (74.6%). The analysis after set-time intervals revealed a resolution rate of 2/3 of LAA-thrombi after 8-10 weeks in the phenprocoumon and NOAC groups. After 12 weeks a higher number of thrombi had resolved in the presence of NOAC (89.3%) whereas in the presence of phenprocoumon 68.3% had resolved (p = .046).

CONCLUSION

In this large observational study NOACs were found to be potent drugs for the resolution of LAA-thrombi. In addition, the resolution of LAA-thrombi was found to be faster in the presence of NOAC as compared to phenprocoumon.

© 2022 The Authors. Clinical Cardiology published by Wiley Periodicals, LLC.