This meta-analysis aims to compare direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the setting of left ventricular thrombosis (LVT).

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Biomed Central and Web of Science for trials comparing DOACs versus VKAs in the setting of LVT and reporting outcome data on thrombosis resolution, stroke and bleeding. Fourteen studies were finally selected. The Mantel-Haenszel method with a random effect model was used for the pooled analysis. The primary outcome was the occurrence of LVT resolution. The secondary outcomes were the occurrence of stroke or bleeding during treatment. One thousand three hundred and thirty-two patients were included in the analysis for the primary outcome. Of these, 424 were treated with DOACs and 908 with VKAs. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for the primary outcome was 1.00 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.77–1.31, I2 0.0%], reflecting equal effect in terms of thrombus resolution. Overall, 2290 patients, 608 on DOACs and 1682 on VKAs were included in the analysis of stroke occurrence, showing reduced risk of events in patients treated with DOACs (pooled OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.93; I2 0.0%) as well as for bleeding occurrence (number of patients included 2139; pooled OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.94; I2 0.0%).

Compared with VKAs, we found DOACs to have similar efficacy on thrombus resolution and favorable effects on stroke reduction and bleedings. DOACs should be considered as an alternative treatment for LVT. Large prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this exploratory finding.