Usefulness of whole blood viscosity estimated by de Simeone's formula to predict left ventricular thrombus formation within one year following acute anterior myocardial infarction

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in treatment of ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI), thrombus formation in the left ventricle is still a concerning complication that may lead to systemic thromboembolism and stroke. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictive value of estimated whole blood viscosity (WBV) for left ventricular thrombus development in patients surviving an acute anterior myocardial infarction (AAMI). MATERIALS & METHODS: Seven hundred eighty AAMI patients who were treated percutaneously were enrolled consecutively. Serial echocardiographic examinations were performed within 24h of admission, before hospital discharge, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following hospital discharge. WBV was calculated according to de Simones formula. RESULTS: One hundred patients (12.8%) developed thrombus formation within one year following AAMI. Patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT) had significantly higher WBV values. Supramedian values of WBV at both low (0.5 sec(-1)) and high (208 sec(-1)) shear rates were found to be an independent predictor of LVT development. CONCLUSION: As an easily accessible parameter, WBV might be a useful predictor of LVT formation within one year following acute anterior myocardial infarction.