Heart as a source of stroke: imaging evaluation with computed tomography

Jonathan H Chung1, Lee M Mitsumori, Karen G Ordovas

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. jchung2@u.washington.edu

Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|September 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac sources are a significant cause of stroke, leading to cerebral infarction. New imaging techniques may allow simultaneous evaluation of the chest, head, and neck to improve stroke diagnosis and patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Stroke originating from cardiac sources is a primary cause of cerebral infarction and ischemia.
  • Common cardiac sources include intracardiac thrombus, right-to-left shunts, tumors, and hemodynamic compromise-induced slow-flow states.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore advanced imaging techniques for comprehensive stroke evaluation.
  • To streamline the diagnostic process for patients with suspected stroke from cardiac origins.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing longer multidetector computed tomography detector arrays.
  • Implementing prospective echocardiography triggering techniques.

Main Results:

  • The proposed methods enable simultaneous evaluation of the chest, head, and neck in a single examination.
  • This integrated approach has the potential to significantly improve patient evaluation and management workflows.

Conclusions:

  • Advanced computed tomography and echocardiography techniques offer a unified approach to diagnosing cardiac-related strokes.
  • These innovations promise to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing patients with stroke.

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Computed Tomography01:10

Computed Tomography

Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...