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Detection of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta by transesophageal echocardiography

P Nihoyannopoulos1, J Joshi, G Athanasopoulos

  • 1Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|May 15, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Transesophageal echocardiography can identify thoracic aorta atherosclerosis, a marker for widespread vascular disease and systemic emboli. This imaging technique may help monitor plaque changes with interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Vascular Biology
  • Diagnostic Echocardiography

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis in the thoracic aorta is a significant risk factor for systemic embolization.
  • Identifying thoracic aortic plaques can indicate diffuse atherosclerotic disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of thoracic aorta atherosclerosis using transesophageal echocardiography.
  • To correlate thoracic aorta plaque presence with systemic embolization and other vascular diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) studies were conducted in 152 patients over 40 years old.
  • Patients were evaluated for atherosclerotic lesions in the thoracic aorta.
  • Data on systemic embolization, coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease were collected.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-nine percent of patients had thoracic aorta atherosclerotic lesions.
  • Thoracic aorta plaques were strongly associated with coronary artery disease (78%), carotid artery disease (88%), and peripheral vascular disease.
  • Patients with systemic emboli (28%) were more likely to have thoracic aorta plaques (48%) compared to those without emboli (22%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography effectively identifies atherosclerotic plaques in the thoracic aorta.
  • Thoracic aorta plaques serve as a marker for diffuse atherosclerosis and increased risk of systemic emboli.
  • TEE may be valuable for serial monitoring of atherosclerotic plaque progression or regression during therapeutic interventions.

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