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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

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09:17

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Ultrasonographic frequency of complex aortic plaques in patients with atrial fibrillation

Atilla Bulut1, Fadime Koca2, Yurdaer Donmez3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences - Adana Health Practice and Research Center, Dr. Mithat Özsan Bulvarı Kışla Mah. 4522 Sok. No: 1 Yüreğir, Adana, Turkey. atilabulut@gmail.com.

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
|June 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Complex aortic plaque (CAP) affects 14.2% of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, increasing stroke risk. Abdominal ultrasound can help stratify stroke risk in AF patients without known vascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Aortic plaque is a significant stroke risk factor in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.
  • Complex aortic plaque (CAP) presence is part of the CHA₂DS₂-VA score.
  • Limited data exists on abdominal aortic plaque (AA-CAP) prevalence in AF patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of AA-CAP in AF patients.
  • To identify parameters associated with AA-CAP in this population.

Main Methods:

  • 748 AF patients underwent abdominal ultrasonography (US) for AA-CAP assessment.
  • Patients were evaluated clinically and via US.
  • Population divided into AA-CAP positive and negative groups.

Main Results:

  • AA-CAP detected in 14.2% of AF patients.
  • AA-CAP patients were older, with higher CHA₂DS₂-VA scores and more cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Independent predictors of AA-CAP included age, CHA₂DS₂-VA score, and hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • AA-CAP is prevalent (14.2%) in AF patients.
  • Abdominal US assessment of AA-CAP may aid stroke risk stratification in AF patients.
  • AA-CAP evaluation can improve CHA₂DS₂-VA score accuracy for stroke risk assessment.
Abstract

Keywords:
Abdominal ultrasonographyAortic plaqueAtrial fibrillation

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