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Acute stroke after coronary angiography associated with protruding mobile thoracic aortic atheromas
1Dept. Internal Medicine C, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel.
Insights
Two patients experienced acute embolic stroke after coronary catheterization. Protruding aortic atheromas were identified, suggesting they pose a stroke risk and may be predictable with imaging.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Coronary catheterization is a common procedure for unstable angina.
- Embolic stroke is a potential complication of cardiovascular interventions.
Observation:
- Two patients developed acute embolic stroke immediately following coronary catheterization.
- Transesophageal echocardiography and spiral CT revealed protruding atheromas in the aortic arch.
Findings:
- Protruding floating atheromas in the thoracic aorta are associated with immediate post-catheterization stroke.
- These findings highlight a specific risk factor for stroke in this patient population.
Implications:
- Transesophageal echocardiography and CT imaging may help predict stroke risk in patients with aortic atheromas.
- This could lead to improved patient selection and procedural modifications to prevent stroke.
Abstract:
We describe two patients who developed acute embolic stroke immediately after coronary catheterization for unstable angina. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and spiral CT of the chest revealed protruding floating atheromas within the aortic arch. These cases of stroke immediately after coronary catheterization suggest that protruding floating atheromas of the thoracic aorta place patients at risk for stroke. TEE or CT might predict a risk of stroke in such patients.