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Cardioembolic stroke: results from three current stroke data banks
C R Hornig1, M Brainin, H Mast
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Giessen, Germany.
Neuroepidemiology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Cardiogenic embolism causes 17% of strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). While standard tests often identify the source, widespread transesophageal echocardiography screening did not significantly increase diagnoses but did find minor risks.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiogenic embolism is a significant cause of ischemic stroke and TIA.
- Identifying embolic sources is crucial for patient management and secondary prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of strokes and TIAs caused by cardiogenic embolism.
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of transesophageal echocardiography in stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from three prospective stroke registries (Berlin, Giessen, Klosterneuburg).
- Assessment of diagnostic methods including history, clinical examination, ECG, echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography.
Main Results:
- Approximately 17% of ischemic strokes and TIAs were attributed to cardiogenic embolism.
- Standard diagnostic methods were effective in identifying most cardiogenic embolic sources.
- Transesophageal echocardiography screening did not substantially increase the diagnosis rate of cardiogenic embolism but identified minor-risk sources.
Conclusions:
- Cardiogenic embolism is a common cause of stroke and TIA.
- Conventional diagnostic approaches are largely sufficient for identifying embolic sources.
- Prognosis after cardiogenic brain embolism is not worse than previously assumed.