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Updated: May 29, 2026
07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Toward understanding the atrial septum in cryptogenic stroke
Paul E Cotter1, Peter J Martin, Mark Belham
1Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. paul.cotter@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Summary
Patent foramen ovale is a common cause of unexplained stroke in young adults. Understanding atrial septum anatomy and cardiac imaging is crucial for neurologists to diagnose and prevent recurrent strokes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Ischemic stroke in younger individuals often lacks a clear cause.
- A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is frequently associated with unexplained strokes in this demographic.
- Detailed cardiac assessment is vital for identifying low-risk stroke etiologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the embryology and anatomy of the right heart, focusing on PFO and related atrial septum abnormalities.
- To elucidate cardiac imaging techniques for investigating unexplained stroke.
- To provide neurologists with a framework for understanding cardiac investigations and interpreting findings for secondary stroke prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of cardiac development and anatomy, specifically the atrial septum and PFO.
- Discussion of echocardiographic imaging modalities for stroke workup.
- Integration of European Association of Echocardiography guidelines for investigation protocols.
Main Results:
- Detailed anatomical review of the atrial septum and PFO.
- Illustrative examples of cardiac imaging in unexplained stroke cases.
- A proposed investigative pathway for neurologists.
Conclusions:
- Understanding atrial septum anatomy and PFO is essential for neurologists managing unexplained stroke.
- Appropriate cardiac imaging, guided by established protocols, aids in identifying stroke causes.
- This knowledge supports informed decisions on secondary stroke prevention strategies.
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