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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Left ventricular thrombus discovered on chest computed tomography for presumed cryptogenic stroke
Elizabeth Marriott1, Michael J Schneck, John T Barron
1Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA.
Summary
Young adults experiencing unexplained stroke may have a left ventricular thrombus. Chest computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosing this rare cause of stroke in young adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Stroke in young adults presents unique diagnostic challenges.
- Identifying the cause of stroke is critical for appropriate management and secondary prevention.
- Traditional cardiac evaluations can sometimes miss underlying cardiac sources of embolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of chest computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing left ventricular thrombus.
- To present a case of cryptogenic stroke in a young adult attributed to left ventricular thrombus.
- To emphasize the importance of considering advanced imaging in unexplained stroke cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 27-year-old male with abrupt onset weakness and aphasia.
- Standard echocardiography (transesophageal and transthoracic) performed.
- Chest computed tomography (CT) utilized for further evaluation.
Main Results:
- Initial echocardiography revealed no cardiac abnormalities.
- Chest computed tomography identified a left ventricular thrombus.
- The thrombus was presumed to be the source of the cerebral embolism.
Conclusions:
- Chest CT can be a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of young adults with cryptogenic stroke.
- Left ventricular thrombus, though uncommon, should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
- Comprehensive imaging strategies are essential for unexplained neurological events in young individuals.
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