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Transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosing cardioembolic stroke

A M Husain1, M Alter

  • 1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.

Clinical Cardiology
|December 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a sensitive tool for diagnosing cardioembolic stroke, a common type of ischemic stroke. This diagnostic aid helps identify stroke mechanisms for targeted therapy, improving patient outcomes and preventing future events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, particularly in older adults.
  • Ischemic stroke accounts for the majority of strokes, with 15-20% being cardioembolic.
  • Accurate diagnosis of stroke mechanism is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnostic utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in identifying cardioembolic stroke.
  • To discuss abnormalities detected by TEE, their therapeutic implications, and TEE's indications and complications.
  • To highlight the increased prevalence of cardioembolic stroke suggested by TEE findings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of numerous studies comparing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).
  • Analysis of diagnostic accuracy and unique information provided by both TEE and TTE.
  • Discussion of TEE findings, including abnormalities, indications, and potential complications.

Main Results:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is more sensitive than transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for diagnosing cardioembolic stroke.
  • TEE identifies numerous cardiac abnormalities contributing to stroke.
  • Cardioembolic stroke causes are more prevalent than previously recognized.

Conclusions:

  • TEE is an essential tool for diagnosing cardioembolic stroke, complementing TTE.
  • Precise diagnosis using TEE enables targeted therapy to prevent recurrent cardiogenic stroke.
  • Increased use of TEE can lead to better management of stroke patients.

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