ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular thrombus commonly occurs as a complication of acute anterior myocardial infarction and nonischemic cardiomyopathies with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Its frequency is still high despite medical advances. Current guidelines recommend the use of vitamin k antagonists as first-line therapy, however, the off-label use of direct oral anticoagulants is becoming more frequent and attractive, given the better pharmacological and clinical profile, with the improvement of the patient's quality of life. AIM: To provide an update on the currently existing evidence regarding the outcomes of efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as first-line therapy in left ventricular thrombus, in comparison to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the effects of direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists on left ventricular thrombi and on the results was performed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 2498 patients (n=631 direct oral anticoagulants and n=1867 for VKAs). No significant differences were found in efficacy and safety outcomes (odds ratio (OR) 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-1.33; p=0.50; I2=32%) and (OR 1.0; 95% CI, 0.78-1.30; p=0.93; I2=2%) respectively. No difference was noted in all-cause mortality (OR 0.92; 95% CI, 0.58-1.45; p=0.74; I2=0%). Thrombus resolution was observed in 288/416 in direct oral anticoagulants vs. 732/1085 patients treated with VKAs (OR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.77-1.66; p=0.50; I2=33%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest the potential utility of DOACs as a first-line strategy in patients with left ventricular thrombus.
