Abstract
IntroductionAlthough dabigatran, a novel oral anti-coagulant, has been approved for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the efficacy of dabigatran for the resolution of established intra-cardiac thrombi has not been validated. Herein is describe a case in which dabigatran was effective for thrombus resolution in a patient with a left ventricular aneurysm.Case presentationA 59-year-old Japanese man with a mid-ventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-associated apical aneurysm presented with a left ventricular apical thrombus (15.0mm×17.0mm). Anti-coagulation therapy with dabigatran (150mg b.i.d. with meals) was initiated. Following dabigatran administration, weekly echocardiographic examinations demonstrated gradual decreases in thrombus size. After three weeks, no thrombus was detected and no systemic thromboembolic events had occurred.ConclusionsThe left ventricular apical thrombus resolved after dabigatran administration. Hence, dabigatran may represent an alternative to warfarin as a therapeutic option in patients with previously detected intra-cardiac thrombus.
Highlights
Dabigatran, a novel oral anti-coagulant, has been approved for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the efficacy of dabigatran for the resolution of established intra-cardiac thrombi has not been validated
The left ventricular apical thrombus resolved after dabigatran administration
Dabigatran may represent an alternative to warfarin as a therapeutic option in patients with previously detected intra-cardiac thrombus
Summary
Because thrombus resolution was successful in the present case, dabigatran may have the potential to be used as an alternative to warfarin in patients with established intra-cardiac thrombus. Additional cases are needed to determine if dabigatran is effective for the resolution of intra-cardiac thrombus. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Competing interests The author declares that he has no competing interests. Submit your manuscript to BioMed Central and take full advantage of:
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