Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Murine Fetal Echocardiography
08:04

Murine Fetal Echocardiography

Published on: February 15, 2013

Detection of cardioembolic sources with echocardiography

P D Lindower1, D D Gutterman

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Comprehensive Therapy
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Identifying the source of stroke is crucial for effective treatment. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is superior to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in detecting cardioembolic sources in stroke patients with suspected cardiac origins.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Cerebral ischemic events are a significant cause of death and disability.
  • While most strokes stem from cerebrovascular disease, cardioembolic sources account for up to 20%, particularly in younger individuals or those with cardiac conditions.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has limitations in identifying cardioembolic sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of echocardiography in detecting cardioembolic sources in stroke patients.
  • To compare the diagnostic capabilities of TTE and TEE for identifying cardiac sources of embolism.

Main Methods:

  • Review of stroke patient cases with suspected cardioembolic origins.
  • Comparison of diagnostic yield between TTE and TEE in identifying cardiac sources of emboli.
  • Analysis of clinical suspicion and TTE findings to guide TEE consideration.

Main Results:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) demonstrates superior detection rates for cardioembolic sources compared to TTE.
  • TEE should be considered when clinical suspicion for a cardiac source is high and TTE is inconclusive or technically limited.

Conclusions:

  • TEE is a more effective diagnostic tool than TTE for identifying cardioembolic sources in stroke patients.
  • Early consideration of TEE can improve the diagnosis and management of strokes with potential cardiac origins.

More Related Videos

Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation06:04

Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Published on: October 24, 2020

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Electrocardiogram01:29

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography01:17

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography

Cardiac imaging studies encompass a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques designed to visualize the heart's structure and function in detail. One such technique is echocardiography, which uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart, known as echocardiograms.
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...