Skip to main content
Erschienen in: Heart and Vessels 3/2017

Open Access 12.07.2016 | Original Article

Dabigatran exhibits low intensity of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation as compared with warfarin

verfasst von: Tetsuya Watanabe, Yukinori Shinoda, Kuniyasu Ikeoka, Hirooki Inui, Hidetada Fukuoka, Akihiro Sunaga, Takashi Kanda, Masaaki Uematsu, Shiro Hoshida

Erschienen in: Heart and Vessels | Ausgabe 3/2017

Abstract

The presence of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrium has been reported to be an independent predictor of thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Dabigatran was associated with lower rates of stroke and systemic embolism as compared with warfarin when administered at a higher dose. Between July 2011 and October 2015, nonvalvular AF patients treated with warfarin or dabigatran who had transesophageal echocardiography prior to ablation therapy for AF were enrolled. The intensity of SEC was classified into four grades, from 0 to 3. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to analyze factors associated with SEC. Sixty-five patients were on dabigatran and 65 were on warfarin, with the prothrombin time in therapeutic range. There were no significant differences in the age, CHADS2 score, left atrial dimension, and left atrial appendage flow between the two groups. However, there were more grade 2 or higher patients with left atrial SEC in the warfarin group (n = 20) than in the dabigatran group (n = 2) (p < 0.001). When multivariate regression analysis was performed, grade 2 or higher left atrial SEC was independently associated with no dabigatran usage in addition to high brain natriuretic peptide level and high incidence of diabetes mellitus or persistent AF. Thus, dabigatran exhibited low intensity of left atrial SEC in nonvalvular AF patients as compared with warfarin.

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, and increases the risk of stroke and systemic embolism [1]. Thromboembolic event rates vary from 2 to 18 % yearly, depending on clinical and/or echocardiographic risk factors [25]. In addition to transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography can be a potentially useful diagnostic imaging modality. It can diagnose left atrial thrombi with accuracy, as well as abnormal flow in the left atrium due to stasis of blood flow [6, 7]. This so-called low flow state is characterized by the presence of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), and is accompanied by low left atrial appendage peak filling and emptying flow velocities [810]. SEC is defined as an echodense whirling pattern that may be visible on transesophageal echocardiogram [11, 12]. SEC is considered to be closely related to thromboembolic events [13, 14]. Hematocrit, fibrinogen concentration, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been closely related to SEC [15, 16].
Oral anticoagulation therapy is the standard of care for outpatient prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with AF. Warfarin substantially decreases the risk of stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF, but it increases the risk of major bleeding [2]. The introduction of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) provides new options for periprocedural anticoagulation. A direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), dabigatran was approved as an alternative to warfarin for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with AF [17]. The intensity of left atrial SEC could be affected by the medication used. However, there are no SEC reports that compare warfarin with dabigatran. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in the intensity of left atrial SEC between AF patients treated with warfarin and those with dabigatran.

Materials and methods

Study patients

This retrospective study included 130 patients who had been admitted for ablation therapy in Yao Municipal Hospital and Kansai Rosai Hospital between July 2011 and October 2015. All of the patients were nonvalvular AF [mean age: 65 ± 9 years; men: 90 (69 %); paroxysmal AF: 56 (43 %)]. The patients were treated with warfarin or dabigatran and underwent transesophageal echocardiography prior to ablation therapy for AF. Oral anticoagulants (warfarin and dabigatran) were interrupted just before ablation theraphy.

Study design

We essentially adopted the dose of dabigatran similar as the arm of a higher dose in RE-LY study (150 mg twice daily). However, the dose of dabigatran was reduced according to renal dysfunction or concomitant use of other drugs. For the patients with creatinine clearance 30–50 mL/min or concomitant use of P-glycoprotein inhibitors, we reduced dabigatran dose 110 mg twice daily.
Patients with significant mitral valve disease or a valvular prosthesis were excluded from the study. AF was documented from a 12-lead electrocardiogram or Holter electrogram before the transesophageal echocardiography examination. Clinical parameters, such as sex, age, AF type, history of hypertension, heart failure or thromboembolism, and blood tests were analyzed and entered into a regression analysis. A written informed consent was obtained for all patients. The entire investigation conformed to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and this study was approved by ethical committee of our hospitals.

Echocardiographic measurements

Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were performed with a TOSHIBA echocardiogram (ARTIDA™, Toshiba, Tokyo, Japan). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed with a broadband 3-MHz phased-array transducer connected to an ultrasound system and transesophageal echocardiography was performed with a 5-MHz multiplane transducer. Prior to transesophageal echocardiography, all patients fasted for at least 4 h. Premedication was not given, but a local anesthetic was sprayed into the hypopharynx. Transesophageal echocardiography was conducted to evaluate the presence or absence of left atrial thrombus, presence or absence of left atrial SEC, and left atrial appendage emptying peak flow velocity, as described previously [8, 10, 18, 19]. All the patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography after at least 3 weeks on warfarin, with a target prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR), or after at least 3 weeks on dabigatran 8 ± 1 h after the last dosage. In the guideline of the Japanese Circulation Society, the suitable level of PT-INR during warfarin therapy for nonvalvular AF is 2.0–3.0 in patients aged <70 years but is 1.6–2.6 in patients aged ≥70 years to avoid bleeding complications.
The intensity of SEC was classified into four grades, from 0 to 3. Grade 0 was no SEC, and grade 1 was mild, indicating minimal echogenicity in the left atrial appendage. Grade 2 was moderate, and demonstrated a dense swirling pattern in the main cavity. Grade 3 was severe, and demonstrated intense echodensity, with very slow swirling patterns in the main cavity (Fig. 1). For the evaluation of SEC, two experienced observers reviewed the digital images during an offline analysis without current knowledge of the patient and other imaging results.

Statistical analysis

All statistical analyses were performed using StatFlex for Windows Version 6 (Artech Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan). Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. For comparison of measurements between warfarin and dabigatran, Student’s t test was used for continuous variables, and the χ 2 test for categorical variables. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to investigate the independent factors for the presence of moderate/severe left atrial SEC. Values were considered significant when the p value was <0.05.

Results

Patient backgrounds

Of 130 patients, 65 (50 %) were on warfarin and 65 (50 %) were on dabigatran. In patients treated with dabigatran, the reduced dose (110 mg twice daily) was prescribed in 29 patients. Previous heart failure was present in 27 patients (21 %), hypertension in 75 (58 %), diabetes mellitus in 14 (11 %), and previous cerebral infarction in 9 (7 %). The mean CHADS2 score was 1.1 ± 0.9. Patient backgrounds comparing warfarin and dabigatran groups are presented in Table 1. Age, sex, history of heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and previous stroke, and CHADS2 score were not different between the two groups. There were lower numbers of people of paroxysmal AF in warfarin group in comparison with the dabigatran group.
Table 1
Patient backgrounds comparing warfarin and dabigatran groups
 
Warfarin
Dabigatran
p value
(n = 65)
(n = 65)
Age (years)
67 ± 8
65 ± 10
0.113
Men
46 (71 %)
44 (68 %)
0.424
Previous heart failure
15 (23 %)
12 (18 %)
0.332
Hypertension
35 (54 %)
40 (62 %)
0.238
Diabetes mellitus
5 (8 %)
9 (14 %)
0.197
Cerebral infarction
7 (11 %)
2 (3 %)
0.083
CHADS2 score
1.2 ± 1.0
1.1 ± 0.9
0.465
AF
 Paroxysmal
21 (32 %)
35 (54 %)
0.011
 Persistent
44 (68 %)
30 (46 %)
Italics indicate metastatic SNs
AF atrial fibrillation

Comparison between warfarin and dabigatran groups

Laboratory data for warfarin and dabigatran groups are presented in Table 2. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), hematocrit, creatinine clearance, CRP, and BNP were not significantly different between the two groups, but PT-INR was higher in the warfarin group (p < 0.001). Table 2 also displays the characteristics of the transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic parameters. There were no significant differences in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial dimension, and left atrial appendage flow between the two groups. However, there were more grade 2 or higher patients with left atrial SEC in the warfarin group compared to the dabigatran group [20/65 (31 %) vs. 2/65 (3 %); p < 0.001]. In the two dabigatran-treated patients showing SEC grade 2 or higher, one was treated with a high dose (300 mg/day) and the other with a low dose (220 mg/day). Left atrial thrombus was detected only in five patients treated with warfarin and their mean PT-INR level was 2.1.
Table 2
Laboratory and echocardiographic data in warfarin and dabigatran groups
 
Warfarin (n = 65)
Dabigatran (n = 65)
p value
Laboratory data
 PT-INR
2.2 ± 0.5
1.2 ± 0.3
<0.001
 APTT (s)
43 ± 8
44 ± 12
0.401
 Hematocrit (%)
41 ± 4
41 ± 5
0.474
 Ccr (mL/min)
67 ± 24
71 ± 21
0.265
 CRP (mg/dL)
0.14 ± 0.51
0.13 ± 0.37
0.902
 BNP (pg/mL)
144 ± 143
116 ± 113
0.226
Echocardiographic data
 LVDd (mm)
47 ± 5
48 ± 5
0.418
 LVDs (mm)
31 ± 6
30 ± 4
0.918
 LVEF (%)
65 ± 8
65 ± 8
0.910
 LAD (mm)
42 ± 8
41 ± 7
0.953
 LAA flow (cm/s)
39 ± 20
42 ± 19
0.394
 Left atrial thrombus
5
0
0.068
SEC grade
 Grade 0 or 1 (0/1)
45 (32/13)
63 (44/19)
<0.001
 Grade 2 or 3 (2/3)
20 (14/6)
2 (1/1)
Italics indicate metastatic SNs
PT-INR prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, APTT activated partial thromboplastin time, Ccr creatinine clearance, CRP C-reactive protein, BNP brain natriuretic peptide, LVDd left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, LVDs left ventricular end-systolic dimension, LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction, LAD left atrial dimension, LAA left atrial appendage, SEC spontaneous echo contrast

Univariate and multivariate analysis for SEC grade

There were significant differences between the patients with SEC grade 0/1 (n = 108) and grade 2/3 (n = 22) in the incidence of previous heart failure, diabetes mellitus, cerebral infarction and paroxysmal AF, and in CHADS2 score, PT-INR, BNP, left atrial dimension and medication with warfarin or dabigatran (Table 3). When multivariate regression analysis was performed using these significant factors, the patients with SEC grade 2/3 were independently associated with no dabigatran usage [odds ratio: 0.019 (95 % CI 0.001–0.963, p = 0.047)]; in addition to high levels of BNP [odds ratio: 1.008 (95 % CI 1.002–1.015, p = 0.010)]; and the incidence of diabetes mellitus [odds ratio: 11.30 (95 % CI 1.218–576.6, p = 0.018)]; or persistent AF [odds ratio: 0.023 (95 % CI 0.001–0.561, p = 0.020)].
Table 3
Factors affecting SEC grade
 
SEC grade
Univariate
Multivariate
0/1 (n = 108)
2/3 (n = 22)
p value
p value
Odds ratio (95 % CI)
Age (years)
65 ± 9
69 ± 7
0.117
Men
75 (69 %)
15 (68 %)
0.554
Previous heart failure
19 (18 %)
8 (36 %)
0.045
0.345
2.599 (0.357–18.90)
Hypertension
60 (56 %)
15 (68 %)
0.196
Diabetes mellitus
8 (7 %)
6 (27 %)
0.009
0.018
11.30 (1.218–576.6)
Cerebral infarction
5 (5 %)
4 (18 %)
0.034
0.454
2.900 (0.178–47.26)
Paroxysmal AF
55 (51 %)
1 (5 %)
<0.001
0.020
0.023 (0.001–0.561)
CHADS2 score
1.0 ± 0.9
1.9 ± 1.0
<0.001
0.240
1.921 (0.646–5.715)
PT-INR
1.6 ± 0.6
2.2 ± 0.6
<0.001
0.058
6.175 (0.938–40.64)
APTT (sec)
44 ± 11
44 ± 7
0.994
Hematocrit (%)
41 ± 5
42 ± 5
0.254
Ccr (mL/min)
70 ± 23
64 ± 21
0.297
CRP (mg/dL)
0.11 ± 0.30
0.26 ± 0.88
0.177
BNP (pg/mL)
111 ± 109
223 ± 175
<0.001
0.010
1.008 (1.002–1.015)
LVDd (mm)
47 ± 5
48 ± 5
0.757
LVDs (mm)
30 ± 5
31 ± 5
0.388
LVEF (%)
65 ± 8
63 ± 10
0.218
LAD (mm)
41 ± 7
44 ± 11
0.047
0.647
1.018 (0.940–1.103)
Dabigatran usage
63 (58 %)
2 (9 %)
<0.001
0.047
0.019 (0.001–0.963)
Italics indicate metastatic SNs
SEC spontaneous echo contrast, AF atrial fibrillation, PT-INR prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, APTT activated partial thromboplastin time, Ccr creatinine clearance, CRP C-reactive protein, BNP brain natriuretic peptide, LVDd left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, LVDs left ventricular end-systolic dimension, LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction, LAD left atrial dimension

Discussion

Our study showed that there were more grade 2 or higher patients with left atrial SEC in the warfarin group than in the dabigatran group. However, there were no significant differences in age, CHADS2 score, left atrial dimension, and left atrial appendage flow between the warfarin and dabigatran groups. A previous study reported that hematocrit and CRP are independent predictors of SEC in AF patients [20]. In this study, however, these factors were not significantly different between the two groups.
Recently, transesophageal echocardiography has been routinely performed before AF ablation therapy or cardioversion, because the presence or absence of thrombus in the atrium is critical for the ablation or cardioversion procedure. Transesophageal echocardiography is the most sensitive and specific tool to detect thrombus in the left atrium [7, 8, 21]. Transesophageal echocardiography can stratify high-risk patients with nonvalvular AF by identifying left atrial SEC. SEC is a positive predictor of stroke or systemic embolism [22]. Patients with thrombus or moderate/severe SEC in the left atrium must receive intensive anticoagulation therapy to avoid thromboembolic events. However, the intensity of the effects of warfarin and dabigatran on the left atrial SEC may differ.
In recent years, the NOACs, such as dabigatran (DTI), and rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban (direct Factor Xa inhibitors), have been approved for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF. Compared with traditional agents such as warfarin, the NOACs offer benefits in terms of efficacy, safety, and convenience. Dabigatran 150 mg twice daily was the only NOAC with a decreased incidence of ischemic stroke, and without increased risk of bleeding, as compared with warfarin. In RE-LY sub-analysis, there were no treatment-by-region interaction for either dose of dabigatran on stroke, ischemic stroke and death between in Asians and in non-Asians [23]. Moreover, in Asian patients with nonvalvular AF, the magnitude effect for each outcome of dabigatran 220 mg daily was comparable with that of 300 mg dose [24]. In our study, 45 % of dabigatran patients were prescribed 220 mg daily. The main reason of this low dose dabigatran use was due to renal dysfunction or concomitant use of P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Even in these patients, dabigatran 220 mg daily use may be more effective to reduce SEC than warfarin [25].
Dabigatran is a univalent DTI that exerts anticoagulant effects by binding to the active site of thrombin. In a blood clot, the heparin–antithrombin complex cannot bind fibrin-bound thrombin. In contrast, given their mechanism of action, DTIs can bind to and inhibit the activity of not only soluble thrombin but also thrombin bound to fibrin. Since they reduce the thrombin-mediated activation of platelets, DTIs also have an antiplatelet effect. DTIs do not bind to plasma proteins, and therefore, should produce a more predictable response than unfractionated heparin. They should also be more effective than low-molecular-weight heparin because DTIs can inhibit fibrin-bound thrombin [26]. Dabigatran enhances the susceptibility of plasma clots to tissue-plasminogen activator-induced lysis by reducing thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation, and by altering the clot structure at clinically relevant concentrations [27]. Dabigatran can dissolve a clot by such a mechanism. In fact, the potential thrombolytic effect of dabigatran has been previously reported [2830].

Study limitations

This study is associated with some limitations. First, our study population comprised relatively small number of patients recruited from two centers. Therefore, large-number data collected in a multicenter are needed. Second, our study was not performed in a randomized fashion, although the major factors that can affect our primary results were not different between warfarin and dabigatran groups. Dabigatran, a DTI, has a potent antithrombin effect, and in high doses decreased ischemic stroke without increased risk of bleeding in patients with nonvalvular AF, compared with warfarin [16]. Therefore, reduced SEC in the left atrium found in the dabigatran group may be direct evidence for its clinical effect. The finding that moderate or severe left atrial SEC was independently associated with no dabigatran usage confirms this. Finally, in the Japanese guidelines, recommended target PT-INR levels were relatively low compared to other countries in patients aged ≥70 years. This proportion might be affected in our results. A large-scale, randomized, prospective study is needed to confirm the results shown in this study.

Conclusion

In patients with nonvalvular AF, dabigatran administration is probably more effective for reducing left atrial SEC as compared with warfarin.

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Open AccessThis article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://​creativecommons.​org/​licenses/​by/​4.​0/​), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

Unsere Produktempfehlungen

e.Med Interdisziplinär

Kombi-Abonnement

Für Ihren Erfolg in Klinik und Praxis - Die beste Hilfe in Ihrem Arbeitsalltag

Mit e.Med Interdisziplinär erhalten Sie Zugang zu allen CME-Fortbildungen und Fachzeitschriften auf SpringerMedizin.de.

© Springer Medizin

Bis 11. April 2024 bestellen und im ersten Jahr 50 % sparen!

Literatur
1.
Zurück zum Zitat National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute (1993) Atrial fibrillation: current understandings and research imperatives. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group on Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 22(7):1830–1834 National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute (1993) Atrial fibrillation: current understandings and research imperatives. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group on Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 22(7):1830–1834
2.
Zurück zum Zitat Flegel KM, Hanley J (1989) Risk factors for stroke and other embolic events in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Stroke 20:1000–1004CrossRefPubMed Flegel KM, Hanley J (1989) Risk factors for stroke and other embolic events in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Stroke 20:1000–1004CrossRefPubMed
3.
Zurück zum Zitat Cabin HS, Clubb KS, Hall C, Perlmutter RA, Feinstein AR (1990) Risk for systemic embolization of atrial fibrillation without mitral stenosis. Am J Cardiol 65:1112–1116CrossRefPubMed Cabin HS, Clubb KS, Hall C, Perlmutter RA, Feinstein AR (1990) Risk for systemic embolization of atrial fibrillation without mitral stenosis. Am J Cardiol 65:1112–1116CrossRefPubMed
4.
Zurück zum Zitat The Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Investigators (1992) Predictors of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation: I. Clinical features of patients at risk. Ann Intern Med 116:1–5CrossRef The Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Investigators (1992) Predictors of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation: I. Clinical features of patients at risk. Ann Intern Med 116:1–5CrossRef
5.
Zurück zum Zitat The Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Investigators (1992) Predictors of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation: II. Echocardiographic features of patients at risk. Ann Intern Med 116:6–12CrossRef The Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Investigators (1992) Predictors of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation: II. Echocardiographic features of patients at risk. Ann Intern Med 116:6–12CrossRef
6.
Zurück zum Zitat Lee RJ, Bartzokis T, Yeoh TK, Grogin HR, Choi D, Schnittger I (1991) Enhanced detection of intracardiac sources of cerebral emboli by transesophageal echocardiography. Stroke 22:734–739CrossRefPubMed Lee RJ, Bartzokis T, Yeoh TK, Grogin HR, Choi D, Schnittger I (1991) Enhanced detection of intracardiac sources of cerebral emboli by transesophageal echocardiography. Stroke 22:734–739CrossRefPubMed
7.
Zurück zum Zitat Cujec B, Polasek P, Voll C, Shuaib A (1991) Transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of potential cardiac source of embolism in stroke patients. Stroke 22:727–733CrossRefPubMed Cujec B, Polasek P, Voll C, Shuaib A (1991) Transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of potential cardiac source of embolism in stroke patients. Stroke 22:727–733CrossRefPubMed
8.
Zurück zum Zitat Black IW, Hopkins AP, Lee LC, Walsh WF (1991) Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast: a clinical and echocardiographic analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol 18:398–404CrossRefPubMed Black IW, Hopkins AP, Lee LC, Walsh WF (1991) Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast: a clinical and echocardiographic analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol 18:398–404CrossRefPubMed
9.
Zurück zum Zitat Tsai LM, Chen JH, Fang CJ, Lin LJ, Kwan CM (1992) Clinical implications of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 70:327–331CrossRefPubMed Tsai LM, Chen JH, Fang CJ, Lin LJ, Kwan CM (1992) Clinical implications of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 70:327–331CrossRefPubMed
10.
Zurück zum Zitat de Belder MA, Lovat LB, Tourikis L, Leech G, Camm A (1993) Left atrial spontaneous contrast echoes–markers of thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 14:326–335CrossRefPubMed de Belder MA, Lovat LB, Tourikis L, Leech G, Camm A (1993) Left atrial spontaneous contrast echoes–markers of thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 14:326–335CrossRefPubMed
11.
Zurück zum Zitat Black IW, Hopkins AP, LeeLC Jacobson BM, Waish WF (1991) Role of transoesophageal echocardiography in evaluation of cardiogenic embolism. Br Heart J 66:302–307CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Black IW, Hopkins AP, LeeLC Jacobson BM, Waish WF (1991) Role of transoesophageal echocardiography in evaluation of cardiogenic embolism. Br Heart J 66:302–307CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
12.
Zurück zum Zitat Gueret P, Vignon P, Fournier P, Chabernaud JM, Gomez M, LaCroix P, Bensaid J (1995) Transesophageal echocardiography for the diagnosis and management of nonobstructive thrombosis of mechanical mitral valve prosthesis. Circulation 91:103–110CrossRefPubMed Gueret P, Vignon P, Fournier P, Chabernaud JM, Gomez M, LaCroix P, Bensaid J (1995) Transesophageal echocardiography for the diagnosis and management of nonobstructive thrombosis of mechanical mitral valve prosthesis. Circulation 91:103–110CrossRefPubMed
13.
Zurück zum Zitat Leung DY, Black IW, Cranney GB, Walsh WF, Grimm RA, Stewart WJ, Thomas JD (1995) Selection of patients for transesophageal echocardiography after stroke and systemic embolic events. Role of transthoracic echocardiography. Stroke 26:1820–1824CrossRefPubMed Leung DY, Black IW, Cranney GB, Walsh WF, Grimm RA, Stewart WJ, Thomas JD (1995) Selection of patients for transesophageal echocardiography after stroke and systemic embolic events. Role of transthoracic echocardiography. Stroke 26:1820–1824CrossRefPubMed
14.
Zurück zum Zitat Erdal B, Ender O, Hamdi P (2015) Association of the CHA2DS2-VASc score with left atrial spontaneous echo contrast: a cross-sectional study of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm. Heart Vessels 16:1–17. doi:10.1007/s00380-015-0759-9 Erdal B, Ender O, Hamdi P (2015) Association of the CHA2DS2-VASc score with left atrial spontaneous echo contrast: a cross-sectional study of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm. Heart Vessels 16:1–17. doi:10.​1007/​s00380-015-0759-9
15.
Zurück zum Zitat Kitamura H, Sigel B, Machi J, Feleppa EJ, Sokil-Melgar J, Kalisz A, Justin J (1995) Roles of hematocrit and fibrinogen in red cell aggregation determined by ultrasonic scattering properties. Ultrasound Med Biol 21:827–832CrossRefPubMed Kitamura H, Sigel B, Machi J, Feleppa EJ, Sokil-Melgar J, Kalisz A, Justin J (1995) Roles of hematocrit and fibrinogen in red cell aggregation determined by ultrasonic scattering properties. Ultrasound Med Biol 21:827–832CrossRefPubMed
16.
Zurück zum Zitat Go AS, Hylek EM, Phillips KA, Borowsky LH, Henault LE, Chang Y, Selby JV, Singer DE (2000) Implications of stroke risk criteria on the anticoagulation decision in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) study. Circulation 102:11–13CrossRefPubMed Go AS, Hylek EM, Phillips KA, Borowsky LH, Henault LE, Chang Y, Selby JV, Singer DE (2000) Implications of stroke risk criteria on the anticoagulation decision in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) study. Circulation 102:11–13CrossRefPubMed
17.
Zurück zum Zitat Connolly SJ, Ezekowitz MD, Yusuf S, Eikelboom J, Oldgren J, Parekh A, Pogue J, Reilly PA, Themeles E, Varrone J, Wang S, Alings M, Xavier D, Zhu J, Diaz R, Lewis BS, Darius H, Diener HC, Joyner CD, Wallentin L, RE-LY Steering Committee Investigators (2009) Dabigatran versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 361:1139–1151CrossRefPubMed Connolly SJ, Ezekowitz MD, Yusuf S, Eikelboom J, Oldgren J, Parekh A, Pogue J, Reilly PA, Themeles E, Varrone J, Wang S, Alings M, Xavier D, Zhu J, Diaz R, Lewis BS, Darius H, Diener HC, Joyner CD, Wallentin L, RE-LY Steering Committee Investigators (2009) Dabigatran versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 361:1139–1151CrossRefPubMed
18.
Zurück zum Zitat García-Fernández MA, Torrecilla EG, San Román D, Azevedo J, Bueno H, Moreno MM, Delcán JL (1992) Left atrial appendage Doppler flow patterns: implications on thrombus formation. Am Heart J 124:955–961CrossRefPubMed García-Fernández MA, Torrecilla EG, San Román D, Azevedo J, Bueno H, Moreno MM, Delcán JL (1992) Left atrial appendage Doppler flow patterns: implications on thrombus formation. Am Heart J 124:955–961CrossRefPubMed
19.
Zurück zum Zitat Verhorst PM, Kamp O, Visser CA, Verheugt FW (1993) Left atrial appendage flow velocity assessment using transesophageal echocardiography in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation and systemic embolism. Am J Cardiol 71:192–196CrossRefPubMed Verhorst PM, Kamp O, Visser CA, Verheugt FW (1993) Left atrial appendage flow velocity assessment using transesophageal echocardiography in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation and systemic embolism. Am J Cardiol 71:192–196CrossRefPubMed
20.
Zurück zum Zitat Black IW, Chesterman CN, Hopkins AP, Lee LC, Chong BH, Walsh WF (1993) Hematologic correlates of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast and thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 21:451–457CrossRefPubMed Black IW, Chesterman CN, Hopkins AP, Lee LC, Chong BH, Walsh WF (1993) Hematologic correlates of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast and thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 21:451–457CrossRefPubMed
21.
Zurück zum Zitat Pollick C, Taylor D (1991) Assessment of left atrial appendage function by transesophageal echocardiography. Implications for the development of thrombus. Circulation 84:223–231CrossRefPubMed Pollick C, Taylor D (1991) Assessment of left atrial appendage function by transesophageal echocardiography. Implications for the development of thrombus. Circulation 84:223–231CrossRefPubMed
22.
Zurück zum Zitat Leung DY, Black IW, Cranney GB, Hopkins AP, Walsh WF (1994) Prognostic implications of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 24:755–762CrossRefPubMed Leung DY, Black IW, Cranney GB, Hopkins AP, Walsh WF (1994) Prognostic implications of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 24:755–762CrossRefPubMed
23.
Zurück zum Zitat Hori M, Connolly SJ, Zhu J, Liu LS, Lau CP, Pais P, Xavier D, Kim SS, Omar R, Dans AL, Tan RS, Chen JH, Tanomsup S, Watanabe M, Koyanagi M, Ezekowitz MD, Reilly PA, Wallentin L, Yusuf S, the RE-LY Investigators (2013) Dabigatran versus warfarin effects on ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and bleeding in Asians and non-Asians with atrial fibrillation. Stroke 44:1891–1896CrossRefPubMed Hori M, Connolly SJ, Zhu J, Liu LS, Lau CP, Pais P, Xavier D, Kim SS, Omar R, Dans AL, Tan RS, Chen JH, Tanomsup S, Watanabe M, Koyanagi M, Ezekowitz MD, Reilly PA, Wallentin L, Yusuf S, the RE-LY Investigators (2013) Dabigatran versus warfarin effects on ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and bleeding in Asians and non-Asians with atrial fibrillation. Stroke 44:1891–1896CrossRefPubMed
24.
Zurück zum Zitat Chan YH, Yen KC, See LC, Chang SH, Wu LS, Lee HF, Tu HT, Yeh YH, Kuo CT (2016) Cardiovascular, bleeding, and mortality risks of dabigatran in Asians with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Stroke 47:441–449CrossRefPubMed Chan YH, Yen KC, See LC, Chang SH, Wu LS, Lee HF, Tu HT, Yeh YH, Kuo CT (2016) Cardiovascular, bleeding, and mortality risks of dabigatran in Asians with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Stroke 47:441–449CrossRefPubMed
25.
Zurück zum Zitat Nagamoto Y, Shiomi T, Matsuura T, Okahara A, Takegami K, Mine D, Shirahama T, Koga Y, Yoshida K, Sadamatsu K, Hayashida K (2014) Resolution of a left ventricular thrombus by the thrombolytic action of dabigatran. Heart Vessels 29:560–562CrossRefPubMed Nagamoto Y, Shiomi T, Matsuura T, Okahara A, Takegami K, Mine D, Shirahama T, Koga Y, Yoshida K, Sadamatsu K, Hayashida K (2014) Resolution of a left ventricular thrombus by the thrombolytic action of dabigatran. Heart Vessels 29:560–562CrossRefPubMed
26.
Zurück zum Zitat Di Nisio M, Middeldorp S, Buller HR (2005) Direct thrombin inhibitors. N Engl J Med 353:1028–1040CrossRefPubMed Di Nisio M, Middeldorp S, Buller HR (2005) Direct thrombin inhibitors. N Engl J Med 353:1028–1040CrossRefPubMed
27.
Zurück zum Zitat Ammollo CT, Semeraro F, Incampo F, Semeraro N, Colucci M (2010) Dabigatran enhances clot susceptibility to fibrinolysis by mechanisms dependent on and independent of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor. J Thromb Haemost 8:790–798CrossRefPubMed Ammollo CT, Semeraro F, Incampo F, Semeraro N, Colucci M (2010) Dabigatran enhances clot susceptibility to fibrinolysis by mechanisms dependent on and independent of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor. J Thromb Haemost 8:790–798CrossRefPubMed
28.
Zurück zum Zitat Thambidorai SK, Murray RD, Parakh K, Shah TK, Black IW, Jasper SE, Li J, Apperson-Hansen C, Asher CR, Grimm RA, Klein AL (2005) Utility of transesophageal echocardiography in identification of thrombogenic milieu in patients with atrial fibrillation (an ACUTE ancillary study). Am J Cardiol 96:935–941CrossRefPubMed Thambidorai SK, Murray RD, Parakh K, Shah TK, Black IW, Jasper SE, Li J, Apperson-Hansen C, Asher CR, Grimm RA, Klein AL (2005) Utility of transesophageal echocardiography in identification of thrombogenic milieu in patients with atrial fibrillation (an ACUTE ancillary study). Am J Cardiol 96:935–941CrossRefPubMed
29.
Zurück zum Zitat Vidal A, Vanerio G (2012) Dabigatran and left atrial appendage thrombus. J Thromb Thrombolysis 34:545–547CrossRefPubMed Vidal A, Vanerio G (2012) Dabigatran and left atrial appendage thrombus. J Thromb Thrombolysis 34:545–547CrossRefPubMed
Metadaten
Titel
Dabigatran exhibits low intensity of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation as compared with warfarin
verfasst von
Tetsuya Watanabe
Yukinori Shinoda
Kuniyasu Ikeoka
Hirooki Inui
Hidetada Fukuoka
Akihiro Sunaga
Takashi Kanda
Masaaki Uematsu
Shiro Hoshida
Publikationsdatum
12.07.2016
Verlag
Springer Japan
Erschienen in
Heart and Vessels / Ausgabe 3/2017
Print ISSN: 0910-8327
Elektronische ISSN: 1615-2573
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00380-016-0871-5

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 3/2017

Heart and Vessels 3/2017 Zur Ausgabe

Update Kardiologie

Bestellen Sie unseren Fach-Newsletter und bleiben Sie gut informiert.