Study limitations
This report suffers from some limitations. Firstly, this study was a retrospective study and the selection bias could not be avoided. Secondly, the TEE examination was not carried out in every patient and the thrombus size was not measured before and after treatment in all individuals. Thus, we did not consider the extent of reductions in thrombus diameter and/or area in defining response to therapy, though it was available in some patients. Thirdly, the heterogeneity of underlying valvular pathology existed, which can influence the outcomes of patients.