[Atheromatosis of the thoracic aorta and risk of stroke]

Atrial fibrillation and severe carotid artery stenosis are the most common causes of stroke. However, several patients recognize unusual cause for their cerebral ischemia. At the beginning of the last decade after the introduction of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and other imaging techniques, atheromatosis of the thoracic aorta has been recognized as an important source of stroke or systemic embolism. Formerly in the pre-TEE era, this entity was included into cryptogenic strokes. Notably, aortic atheromas are found in about one quarter of patients presenting with embolic events and their grading by TEE correlates with the risk of future embolism, especially if mobile lesions or superimposed thrombi are present. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of aortic atheroma is mostly established when an embolic event has already occurred. The aim of this paper is to review the current evidence for aortic atheroma as an important independent risk factor for stroke, and to discuss the potential therapeutic options. Unfortunately, randomized studies addressing the treatment of patients with severe aortic atheroma are not yet completed. Furthermore, although warfarin and statins look promising in several retrospective series, their results are by most controversial so far. In conclusion, although the diagnostic criteria and the negative prognostic significance of aortic atheroma are almost defined, its therapeutic options are far to be clear. Therefore, clinical trials addressing this relevant pathologic condition are urgently needed.