Novel oral anticoagulants in intracardiac thrombosis resolution: a case series

Abstract

Abstract Background Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been regarded as the therapy of choice for intracardiac thrombosis for decades based mostly on observational data. The advent of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has displaced VKAs as the first-line therapy for multiple thrombotic disorders but not for intracardiac thrombosis. Although limited, there is growing evidence that DOACs are effective for intracardiac thrombosis and some data suggest that thrombus resolution might be superior to that with warfarin. Case summary Here, we present a series of six patients with left atrial appendage thrombi were treated with a venous thromboembolic dose of DOACs with resolution within 2–6 months with no reported complications. Discussion This case series adds to the accumulating evidence supporting the efficacy of DOACs in the treatment of intracardiac thrombi.