Association Between C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Left Ventricular Thrombus Formation Following Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is associated with inflammatory response in survivors with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) has been proposed as a marker of inflammation. However, there is a lack of data with respect to the role of CAR in LVT development. We investigated the relationship between CAR and LVT development in patients with anterior STEMI treated percutaneously; 955 consecutive patients were enrolled and LVT was observed in 126 (13.2%) patients. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory parameters were recorded. The CAR was significantly higher in patients with LVT (12.6 [8.6-16.1] vs 18.1 [11.5-23], P < .001). Other independent predictors for LVT development were lower ejection fraction, the presence of left ventricular apical aneurysm, proximal left anterior descending lesion location, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors treatment, >1 diseased arteries, higher total protein level, neutrophil count, and peak creatine kinase myocardial band activity. In conclusion, the CAR may be useful as a simple tool for predicting LVT development among survivors of anterior STEMI.