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Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
04:48

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery

Published on: November 28, 2018

[Esophageal echocardiography in patients with cerebrovascular stroke and atrial fibrillation]

J Chlumský1, M Bojar, P Sváb

  • 1I. interní klinika FN Motol, Praha.

Vnitrni Lekarstvi
|April 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk, necessitating anticoagulant therapy. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) identified clot sources in 24% of patients with atrial fibrillation and cerebrovascular attacks, confirming the need for anticoagulation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation is a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular events.
  • Anticoagulant therapy is crucial for patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent embolization.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) aids in identifying embolic sources, especially in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the utility of TEE in identifying the source of embolization in patients with atrial fibrillation and ischemic cerebrovascular attacks (CVA).
  • To determine the prevalence of specific cardiac findings associated with embolism in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed on 52 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and ischemic CVA.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography was insufficient in identifying the source of embolization in these patients.

Main Results:

  • TEE revealed a thrombus in the left atrial appendage in 10% of patients.
  • Spontaneous echocontrast, indicative of a prethrombotic state, was observed in 9% of patients.
  • An open foramen ovale was identified in 5% of patients, suggesting a potential embolic source.

Conclusions:

  • The findings strongly suggest a high probability of embolic etiology in patients experiencing CVAs secondary to atrial fibrillation.
  • These results support the absolute indication for anticoagulant treatment in patients with cerebrovascular attacks and atrial fibrillation.

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