Fate of left atrial thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation determined by transesophageal echocardiography and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging

We screened forty-three patients with atrial fibrillation and left atrial thrombi for the incidence of cerebral embolism and thrombus disappearance by transesophageal echocardiography and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging over a period of 12 months. Patients with left atrial thrombi had an increased risk for cerebral embolism and/or death (16% during a 12-month observation period). Low peak emptying velocities of the left atrial appendage and a history of thromboembolism were predictors of an event. Thrombus disappearance rate under continued oral anticoagulation was 56% during 12 months. Thrombus size and echogenicity may predict thrombus resolution. (C) 2004 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.