Technological Improvements in Cardiac Thrombus Diagnosis

Abstract

Cardiovascular imaging technology constantly evolves and provides more testing options for evaluating cardiovascular morphology and function. Accurate detection and diagnosis of cardiac thrombi are important in clinical practice, as they provide a substrate for embolic events and a rationale for anticoagulation therapy. Echocardiography, predominantly transesophageal echocardiography, has been used as a reference modality to assess flow stasis and cardiac thrombus. Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) have also been proposed and tested as alternative imaging modalities for cardiac thrombus detection. Given the noninvasive nature of CCT and CMR, developing strategies based on these modalities for the detection of cardiac thrombi and flow stasis is of great clinical interest. However, these advanced imaging techniques should add value in the clinical setting.