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Cardioembolic stroke from atrial septal aneurysm
G Di Pasquale1, A Andreoli, P Grazi
1Service of Cardiology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Stroke
|May 1, 1988
Summary
An atrial septal aneurysm, an uncommon cause of stroke, was found in a young woman. Echocardiography is recommended for unexplained ischemic strokes to detect such cardiac abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Atrial septal aneurysm is a rare cardiac condition often undetected by standard examinations.
- It can be an occult source of cerebral embolism, leading to stroke.
- Clinical cardiologic examination and electrocardiography are frequently insufficient for diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old woman presented with sudden right hemiplegia and aphasia.
- Cerebral infarction was caused by occlusion of the left carotid siphon.
- No typical atherosclerotic risk factors or proximal vascular lesions were identified.
Findings:
- Two-dimensional echocardiography successfully detected an atrial septal aneurysm in the patient.
- The absence of other risk factors supported a causal link between the aneurysm and the ischemic stroke.
- This case highlights atrial septal aneurysm as a potential cause of cryptogenic stroke.
Implications:
- Two-dimensional echocardiography should be considered in the workup of all patients with unexplained ischemic stroke.
- Early detection of atrial septal aneurysms can guide stroke prevention strategies.
- Identifying occult cardiac abnormalities is crucial for managing cryptogenic strokes.