Fleddermann A, et al. – Investigators assessed whether direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are efficacious for the treatment of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation in this single-center study. They analyzed transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) and clinical outcomes in 33 patients who were treated for LAA thrombus with DOAC (treated with: apixaban=18, dabigatran=10, and rivaroxaban=5). The primary endpoint was resolution of LAA thrombus in patients undergoing TEE, or death, major bleeding requiring transfusion, intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, or peripheral embolization. The researchers observed that patients without a follow-up TEE were older in age and had more comorbidities. They concluded that DOACs are a relatively safe and efficacious treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation and concomitant LAA thrombus.