Cardiac sources of embolic cerebral infarction in transesophageal echocardiography

ABSTRACT

Previous reports have suggested that 6% to 39% of ischemic strokes are caused by cardiogenic emboli [1] Thrombus formation associated with atrial fibrillation has been reported as one of the most important cardiac sources of embolism[2] Using transesophageal echocardiography [TEE], other possible sources of embolism, including atrial septal aneurysm,[3] patent foramen ovale [PFO],[4] aortic atherosclerotic plaque,[5] annular calcification of the mitral valve,[6] mitral valve prolapse [MVP],[7] prosthetic cardiac valves and endocarditis,[8] mural thrombi,[9] cardiac tumors[10], and cardiac transplants[11] have been reported as risk factors for ischemic stroke. TEE is considered more sensitive than transthoracic echocardiography [TTE] in detecting cardiac abnormalities in patients with stroke and transient ischemic attacks [12] As there is no data available in Iran regarding TEE findings after embolic cerebrovascular accident [CVA], this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities by the TEE technique in patients with stroke