Why the study?
To determine the frequency of left atrial appendage thrombus and identify its predictors on transesophageal echocardiography before elective cardioversion.
What are the clinical and echocardiographic predictors of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation or flutter undergoing pre-cardioversion TEE?
Population
55 patients with non-valvular AF or atrial flutter referred for elective cardioversion
Comparison
Patients with vs without left atrial appendage thrombus
Design
Cross-sectional study
Key result
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Authors
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Higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc may flag LAA thrombus risk; hypothesis-generating only and should not yet change practice.
What are the clinical and echocardiographic predictors of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation or flutter undergoing pre-cardioversion TEE?
Higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores and specific echocardiographic parameters like increased left atrial diameter and volume index independently predict left atrial appendage thrombus prior to elective cardioversion.
Hussain et al. (2026) studied this question. The ICMJE provides updated recommendations for best practices and ethical standards in the conduct and reporting of research published in medical journals.