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Published on: February 26, 2013
Percutaneous Levoatrial Cardinal Vein Closure for Stroke Prevention
Spencer Chee1, Amir Hasani1, Alexander Ellis2
1School of Medicine, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
Insights
Congenital levoatrial cardinal vein anomalies can cause cerebral embolism. A new percutaneous closure technique using vascular plugs effectively treated these anomalies in two patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Congenital levoatrial cardinal vein anomalies are rare conditions.
- These anomalies can lead to paradoxical embolism, causing strokes.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring advanced imaging.
Abstract:
We report 2 cases of cerebral embolism related to congenital levoatrial cardinal vein anomalies. Both patients had positive echocardiographic agitated saline studies but intact interatrial septum on transesophageal echocardiography. Levoatrial cardinal vein was diagnosed using computed tomography angiography. A novel technique for percutaneous levoatrial cardinal vein closure using vascular plug devices was successful in both patients.
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