Use of 3D echocardiography facilitates analysis of thrombolytic efficacy in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Abstract: This study seeks to identify the anticoagulant efficacy of rivaroxaban treatment on thrombi detected using echocardiography of the left atrial appendage in 275 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. During follow-up after 9–24 weeks of rivaroxaban treatment, patients were divided into “effective group” (n = 143) and “ineffective group” (n = 132) according to the thrombolytic effect of the drug. Left atrial diameter (LAD), left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), mean diameter of left atrial appendage (LAAD mean ), angle between left atrial appendage and left atrium (LAA-A), velocity of blood flow in left atrial appendage (LAA-v), and thrombus size were compared before and after drug administration. Following treatment, LAEF, LVEF, and LAA-v values were greater and LAD and LAAD mean values were lower in the effective ( P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed significant correlations of LAD, LAEF, LVEF, LAA-A, and LAA-v with anticoagulant efficacy ( P < 0.05). The efficacy of rivaroxaban in treatment of left atrial auricular thrombosis in patients with persistent AF was correlated with LAD, LAEF, LVEF, LAA-A, and LAA-v. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further revealed LAEF [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45–16.9, P = 0.008], 3D-EF (OR 6.4, 95% CI, 1.06–16.9, P = 0.039) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (OR 18.0, 95% CI, 1.38–35.68, P = 0.028) as factors related to left atrial appendage thrombus. Echocardiography with global longitudinal strain assessment could be effectively utilized to evaluate the functional parameters of LAA and thus aid in predicting the safety of rivaroxaban as an anticoagulation agent.