Related Experiment Videos
Spontaneous echo contrast caused by platelet and leukocyte aggregates?
R J Zotz1, M Müller, S Genth-Zotz
1Leipzig University Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany. rzo@schwalm-eder-kliniken.de
Stroke
|September 6, 2001
Summary
Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) originates from activated platelets and leukocytes in the left atrium, not the right. This finding supports the role of platelet aggregates in SEC pathogenesis and potential thromboembolic events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Biomedical research
Background:
- Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) is a known indicator of thromboembolic events.
- The precise origin and contributing factors to SEC formation remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC).
- To analyze blood samples directly from the left atrium to identify cellular components contributing to SEC.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from the femoral artery/vein and right/left atria of patients with and without SEC.
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze platelet and leukocyte activation and aggregation markers (CD41a, CD42b, CD62p, CD45, CD14).
- Analysis focused on comparing peripheral and cardiac blood samples, and right vs. left atrial samples.
Main Results:
- Peripheral venous blood showed higher platelet and leukocyte activation than arterial blood.
- In patients without SEC, cardiac blood activation mirrored peripheral levels.
- In patients with SEC, significantly higher platelet and leukocyte activation, and leukocyte-platelet aggregates (LTAg) were observed in the left atrium compared to the right atrium.
Conclusions:
- Increased platelet and leukocyte activation in the left atrium is associated with the presence of SEC.
- These findings support the hypothesis that platelet aggregates in the left atrium play a role in the pathogenesis of SEC.