The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio predict left ventricular thrombus resolution in acute myocardial infarction without percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Left ventricular thrombosis (LVT) is a potentially devastating complication in post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that inflammation may contribute to thrombus formation, but its role on thrombus resolution is uncertain. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are easily accessible haematological markers of inflammation.

Objectives: We aimed to identify differences between post-AMI LVT patients with and without LVT resolution, and to evaluate the utility of NLR and PLR in predicting LVT resolution.

Methods: We included 289 consecutive post-AMI patients with LVT. Acute LVT was diagnosed based on echocardiogram. Patients were stratified based on LVT resolution. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate for independent predictors of thrombus resolution.

Results: Compared to post-AMI patients with eventual LVT resolution, those with unresolved LVT had more co-morbidities such as hypertension (p = 0.003) and ischaemic heart disease (p < 0.001), fewer underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (p < 0.001) or were treated with triple therapy (p < 0.001). NLR (p = 0.064) and PLR (p = 0.028) were higher in unresolved LVT patients. In non-PCI patients, NLR (OR 0.818, 95% CI 0.674-0.994, p = 0.043) and PLR (OR 0.989, 95% CI 0.979-0.999, p = 0.026) were independent predictors of thrombus resolution after adjustment for age and anticoagulation use.

Conclusions: Post-AMI patients not receiving PCI may have a greater inflammatory response and a higher NLR and PLR, which is associated with less LVT resolution despite anticoagulation. Further studies are required to study this association.