The aorta: an important but frequently underestimated source of emboli

Systemic emboli are important clinically and have a high morbidity and mortality. The identification of the source of embolisation is crucial for further treatment and management. The aorta harbours the source of emboli in a small but significant number of cases. However, it is usually underestimated as the source of systemic embolisation. The use of transoesophageal echocardiography facilitates establishing the diagnosis and guiding management decisions.