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.