Biochemical markers for detection of intracardiac thrombosis

Aims: Intracardiac thrombus is known as the common cause of cardiogenic cerebral ischemia and a useful clinical marker of thrombogenesis. This study aimed to predict the presence of intracardiac thrombosis by noninvasive method using NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and D-dimer evidenced by trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). Methods: A total of 200 patients were included and referred to TEE for the detection of intracardiac thrombi. Measurement of NT-Pro-BNP and D-dimer was done 2 h before the TEE examination. The patients were divided into two groups namely Group A with intracardiac thrombus and Group B without intracardiac thrombus. Results: There was an increased prevalence of intracardiac thrombus in diabetic hypertensive patients and transient ischemic attack patients. Intracardiac thrombus had significantly higher levels of Pro-BNP and D-dimer (P < 0.001). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the value of D-Dimer level >788 ng/ml and NT-Pro-BNP >683 ng/ml predicted the presence of intracardiac thrombus. Conclusion: High value of NT-Pro-BNP and D-dimer level can predict the presence of intracardiac thrombosis and its decreased value can predict the absence of thrombosis in patients with suspected intracardiac thrombi.