Lambl's Excrescences Associated With Left Frontal Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Pathology

Background:

• Lambl's excrescences (LEs) are connective tissue strands on heart valve closure lines.
• Their etiology is largely unknown, and they are often asymptomatic.

Observation:

• A 33-year-old male presented with transient right upper extremity weakness.
• Cerebral MRI revealed a small cortical infarct in the left frontal/insular region.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram identified Lambl's excrescences on the aortic valve leaflets.

Findings:

• The patient's stroke symptoms, despite normal neurological exam and elevated blood pressure, were investigated.
• Lambl's excrescences were identified as a potential embolic source.
• This case links Lambl's excrescences to a cardioembolic stroke event.

Implications:

• This case contributes to the limited evidence associating Lambl's excrescences with cardioembolic phenomena.
• Highlights the need for further prospective studies to establish a causal link between LEs and cryptogenic strokes.
• Emphasizes the importance of echocardiography in cryptogenic stroke workups to identify potential cardiac sources like LEs.