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Left atrial appendage aneurysm presenting with recurrent embolic strokes
Esmeray Acartürk1, Mehmet Kanadaşi, Vahide Deniz Yerdelen
1Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey. kanarya@cu.edu.tr
The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
|December 24, 2003
Summary
A rare left atrial appendage aneurysm caused recurrent embolic strokes in a 40-year-old man. Diagnosis involved multiple imaging techniques and surgical confirmation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Left atrial appendage aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies.
- Embolic strokes can result from cardiac thrombi, particularly in patients with underlying structural abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old male presented with recurrent embolic strokes.
- Initial chest X-ray showed a prominent upper left heart border.
- The patient was asymptomatic until 6 months prior to presentation.
Findings:
- Transthoracic echocardiography suggested a left atrial appendage aneurysm.
- Transesophageal echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical findings confirmed the diagnosis.
- The aneurysm was identified as the source of recurrent embolic events.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare cardiac anomalies in the etiology of embolic strokes.
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management planning.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for managing symptomatic left atrial appendage aneurysms.