Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Combined Near-infrared Fluorescent Imaging and Micro-computed Tomography for Directly Visualizing Cerebral Thromboemboli
Published on: September 25, 2016
Calcified embolism: a rare cause of cerebral infarction
Vijay Chandran1, Aparna Pai, Suryanarayana Rao
1Department of Neurology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India. vj_chandran@rediffmail.com
Insights
Calcified cerebral emboli (CCE) are a rare stroke cause. This case highlights CCE identification on CT post-cardiac catheterization, aiding stroke understanding.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Calcified cerebral emboli (CCE) represent a rare etiology of stroke.
- Identification of CCE is crucial for understanding stroke mechanisms and patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient experiencing stroke symptoms, including right hemiparesis and aphasia, following cardiac catheterization.
- A calcified embolus was visualized on CT scan within the left middle cerebral artery but was not detected by MRI.
Findings:
- CT imaging successfully identified the calcified cerebral embolus, a key diagnostic finding.
- MRI failed to detect the calcified embolus, underscoring potential imaging limitations for CCE.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the importance of CT in diagnosing CCE, especially after procedures like cardiac catheterization.
- Further research into the natural history and treatment of CCE is warranted to improve stroke management strategies.
Abstract:
Calcified cerebral emboli (CCE) are a rare cause of stroke and these emboli can be identified on a CT scan of the brain performed for the initial evaluation of stroke. In this report we present a patient who developed a CCE following cardiac catheterisation that lodged in the left middle cerebral artery with resultant right hemiparesis and aphasia. The calcified embolus was seen on CT but could not be identified on MRI. Predisposing factors for CCE include angiography and valve or vessel wall calcification. The natural history and response to standard therapy in patients with CCE as compared with stroke of other aetiologies have not been studied until now. Increased awareness and ability to identify calcified emboli will help us to have an improved understanding of strokes resulting from CCE.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

