Systemic thromboembolism is a serious morbidity and mortality cause for patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). Previously conducted researches showed that spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) found in the left atrium can constitute a risk factor for thrombus formation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of echocardiographic and hematologic parameters in anticipating the presence of SEC in the left atrium of patients with severe RMS.

This retrospective study includes all patients who were diagnosed with severe and very severe (MS) between 2014 and 2016. They were then divided in two groups depending on SEC presence.

There were 29 patients (30%) in the SEC positive group (group I) and 71patients (70%) in the SEC negative group (group II). A CRP greater than 10 was found in 59% of patients with SEC, versus 21% in the second group. There was no significant difference in blood counts between the two groups. An ACFA was scored in 71% in first-group patients, versus 34% in the second group. Patients with SEC, had a left atrium dilated in 82% versus 37% in the second group. Also, MS was very tight in this population.

In addition to the very tight nature of the MR, the volume of left atrium and heart rhythm, CRP was found to be related to left atrial SEC presence in patients with severe MS.