Outcomes of left ventricular thrombosis in post-acute myocardial infarction patients stratified by antithrombotic strategies: A meta-analysis with meta-regression

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation is a significant complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to its embolic potential. However, managing LVT requires balancing therapeutic benefits against bleeding risks. Our study provides a risk-benefit analysis of various antithrombotic regimens on long-term outcomes in treating post-AMI LVT patients. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in Medline, Embase and SCOPUS up to 1 April 2020. All studies reporting outcomes of post-AMI LVT patients were included. 17 studies were included in total. Anticoagulation (47–100%) and triple therapy use (38–100%) varied largely across studies. On meta-analysis, administration of anticoagulation (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05–0.36, p < 0.001) and triple therapy (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07–0.66, p < 0.001) resulted in lower odds of mortality. Neither anticoagulation (p = 0.24) nor triple therapy (p = 0.73) was associated with bleeding. Triple therapy was associated with LVT resolution on meta-analysis (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.53–4.19, p < 0.001) and regression analysis (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03–1.58, p = 0.03). Anticoagulation and triple therapy were independent predictors of systemic embolism ([OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.93, p = 0.02] and [OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.93, p = 0.001]) and stroke ([OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41–0.94, p = 0.03] and [OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.96, p = 0.03]). While there is clear therapeutic benefit in anticoagulation for post-AMI LVT, the extent of bleeding risk is uncertain. Future trials are necessary to determine the optimal antithrombotic strategy for post-AMI LVT management. •LVT in post-AMI patients portends a worse prognosis.•Anticoagulation is associated with LVT resolution and reduces embolism and mortality risk.•There was no significant association between anticoagulation and bleeding risk.•Optimal post-AMI LVT management is multifactorial in addition to anticoagulation,