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Updated: May 11, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Cryptogenic stroke and the left atrial septal pouch: a case report
Jonathan M Wong1, Dawn Lombardo2, Jason Handwerker3
1School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California.
Abstract:
The left atrial septal pouch (LASP) is an anatomic variant of the interatrial septum and may be a nidus for thromboembolism. We present the case of a 49 year-old man without known vascular risk factors who experienced bi-hemispheric strokes over the course of 10 days, suggestive of multiple emboli. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a prominent LASP. We suggest that presence of LASP was a likely cause of stroke in this patient and that further study of a possible association between LASP and ischemic stroke in younger individuals may be warranted.
Insights
A left atrial septal pouch (LASP) may cause strokes. This case study highlights a prominent LASP in a patient experiencing multiple strokes, suggesting a link that warrants further investigation in younger individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The left atrial septal pouch (LASP) is an anatomical variation of the interatrial septum.
- LASP may serve as a site for clot formation, potentially leading to thromboembolism.
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