Publication:

Factors responsible for left atrial clot formation in patients with mitral stenosis and normal sinus rhythm

Background The objective of the study was to investigate the factors responsible for left atrial (LA) clot formation in patients with mitral valve stenosis in normal sinus rhythm.

Methods 79 patients (43 males and 36 females) were included in the study. 9 patients with mitral stenosis in normal sinus rhythm had LA clot or LA smoke in echocardiography included in Group A and rest of 70 patients in Group B. LA size, gradient across mitral valve and mitral valve surface area was studied and compared in patients with or without LA clot/smoke.

Results Mean LA size was 4.8 (±0.5) and 4.6 (±0.7) in group A and B respectively with (p=0.304) and mean valve gradient was 11.6 (±2.8) and 10.6 (±3.5) in group A and B respectively with (p=0.507), the difference was not significant in both. Mean mitral valve area was 1.01 (±0.3) and 1.12 (±0.5) in group A and B (p=0.36), the difference was not significant.

Conclusions Study concluded that there was no significant difference in LA size, valve gradient and mitral valve area in patients with or without LA clot having mitral valve stenosis in normal sinus rhythm. Patients with LA clot warrant measures to prevent thromboembolic episodes.