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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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Endovascular Perforation Model for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Combined with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Published on: December 16, 2021
The serpentine mitral valve and cerebral embolism
1Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, PO Box 24318, Gesina, Pretoria, 0031 South Africa. jker@wol.co.za
Cardiovascular Ultrasound
|March 1, 2011
Summary
Valvular strands, thin masses on heart valves, can cause strokes in young people. A case report suggests aspirin and clopidogrel may prevent future cerebral embolism events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Valvular strands are filiform masses attached to cardiac valve edges.
- These strands are linked to cerebral embolism and stroke, particularly in younger individuals.
Observation:
- A case report details a unique serpentine valvular strand on the mitral valve.
- This finding presented as the sole explanation for a cerebral embolism episode.
Findings:
- The mitral valvular strand was the cause of transient right-sided hemiparesis due to cerebral embolism.
- This highlights valvular strands as a significant risk factor for stroke in specific patient demographics.
Implications:
- A randomized study of combined aspirin and clopidogrel treatment is proposed for young patients with valvular strands.
- This research could lead to improved preventative strategies for embolic stroke in at-risk populations.
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