Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

2.0K

Atrial Cardiomyopathy: A "Distinct Clinical Entity" for a Deeper Understanding of Atrial Fibrillation and

Cristian Martignani1, Alberto Spadotto1, Maria Carelli1

  • 1Cardiology Unit, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, IRCCS Policlinico S. Orsola, 40138 Bologna, Italy.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|December 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Atrial cardiopathy, an atrial substrate abnormality, causes embolic strokes independently of atrial fibrillation (AF). This review explores its link to Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS), suggesting new risk stratification and therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Embolic strokes often occur without diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF), challenging cardioembolism concepts.
  • Atrial cardiopathy, characterized by atrial fibrosis and dysfunction, is an emerging cause of thromboembolism.
  • AF may be a late manifestation of atrial cardiopathy, not the primary cause of clots.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the concept of atrial cardiopathy as a cause of stroke.
  • To synthesize evidence linking atrial cardiopathy biomarkers to Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS).
  • To discuss clinical implications for stroke risk stratification and novel therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing evidence on atrial cardiopathy.
  • Analysis of biomarkers associated with atrial cardiopathy and ESUS.
  • Evaluation of computational modeling in risk stratification.

Main Results:

  • Atrial cardiopathy is a substrate promoting thromboembolism independent of AF.
  • Biomarkers of atrial cardiopathy correlate with ESUS.
  • Computational modeling shows promise for personalized risk assessment.

Conclusions:

  • Atrial cardiopathy is a key factor in embolic strokes, shifting focus from AF detection to atrial substrate health.
  • Recognizing atrial cardiopathy enables development of "upstream" therapies for stroke prevention.
  • Personalized risk stratification using advanced modeling is a future direction.

Keywords:
Cardiac Magnetic ResonanceEmbolic Stroke of Undetermined Sourceatrial cardiomyopathyatrial failureatrial fibrillationatrial fibrosisleft atrial strainstroke prevention

More Related Videos

Isolation of Atrial Myocytes from Adult Mice08:34

Isolation of Atrial Myocytes from Adult Mice

Published on: July 25, 2019

11.4K
Author Spotlight: Developing a Translational Model for Atrial Fibrillation Research Across Species08:52

Author Spotlight: Developing a Translational Model for Atrial Fibrillation Research Across Species

Published on: November 21, 2023

1.4K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
479
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
421
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
426
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
362
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
436
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
443