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Higher prevalence of atrial septal aneurysms in patients with ischemic stroke of unknown cause
C Lucas1, L Goullard, M Marchau
1Department of Neurology, University of Lille, France.
Insights
Atrial septal aneurysms (ASA) are linked to strokes of unknown origin. These findings suggest that ASAs may be a source of cerebral emboli, warranting further investigation in stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Atrial septal aneurysms (ASA) are commonly detected via transesophageal echocardiography.
- The association between ASA and cerebral ischemia of unknown etiology is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ASA in patients experiencing ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
- To explore the potential link between ASA and cryptogenic stroke.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 154 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or TIA was analyzed.
- Patient data included demographics, vascular risk factors, presence of ASA, patent foramen ovale (PFO), and stroke characteristics.
Main Results:
- Sixteen patients (10.4%) had ASA.
- Patients with ASA were younger, less likely to have hypertension, and more likely to have a PFO or cryptogenic stroke.
- ASA without PFO was also associated with an unknown cause of stroke.
Conclusions:
- ASA may be an independent risk factor for cerebral ischemia of unknown cause.
- The study hypothesizes that ASA could serve as a source of cerebral emboli.
- Further research is recommended to elucidate the embolic potential of ASA.
Abstract:
Atrial septal aneurysms (ASA) are frequent findings on transesophageal echocardiographies. Whether they are more frequent in patients with cerebral ischemia of unknown cause remains unclear. We investigated this question in 154 consecutive patients with an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. The 16 patients with ASA were younger, less likely to have arterial hypertension and more likely to have a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or an unknown cause of stroke, but they did not differ for number and side of infarcts, other demographic data and vascular risk factors. Patients with ASA unassociated to PFO were also more likely to have an unknown cause of stroke. These findings lead to the hypothesis that ASA might be sources of cerebral emboli.