Luca Longobardo1, Concetta Zito1, Scipione Carerj1, Giuseppe Caracciolo2, Matt Umland2, Bijoy K Khandheria3,4. 1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - Section of Cardiology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria "Policlinico G. Martino" and Universita' degli Studi di Messina, Via Consolare Valeria n.12, 98100, Messina, Italy. 2. Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Ste. 880, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA. 3. Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Ste. 880, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA. publishing22@aurora.org. 4. Marcus Family Fund for Echocardiography (ECHO) Research and Education, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Ste. 880, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA. publishing22@aurora.org.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will discuss the most frequent sources of cardiac embolism and the role of echocardiography in these different clinical settings, and, in addition, provide suggestions about the choice between transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). RECENT FINDINGS: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in industrial countries, and 15-40% of all ischemic strokes are due to cardioembolism. TTE and TEE are cornerstones in the detection of cardioembolic sources and provide fundamental information about the embolic risk and most suitable treatment of these patients, improving long-term outcomes. Echocardiography is a widely available, inexpensive, and safe diagnostic tool that is almost free from contraindication, and these elements allow the common use of this technique in almost all the patients with ischemic stroke. The most common cardioembolic sources include left atrial appendage thrombosis during atrial fibrillation; vegetations in infective endocarditis; cardiac masses including left ventricular thrombosis, cardiac tumors, etc.; atherosclerotic plaques; and passageways within the heart serving as conduits for paradoxical embolization, e.g., patent foramen ovale.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will discuss the most frequent sources of cardiac embolism and the role of echocardiography in these different clinical settings, and, in addition, provide suggestions about the choice between transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). RECENT FINDINGS:Stroke is the third leading cause of death in industrial countries, and 15-40% of all ischemic strokes are due to cardioembolism. TTE and TEE are cornerstones in the detection of cardioembolic sources and provide fundamental information about the embolic risk and most suitable treatment of these patients, improving long-term outcomes. Echocardiography is a widely available, inexpensive, and safe diagnostic tool that is almost free from contraindication, and these elements allow the common use of this technique in almost all the patients with ischemic stroke. The most common cardioembolic sources include left atrial appendage thrombosis during atrial fibrillation; vegetations in infective endocarditis; cardiac masses including left ventricular thrombosis, cardiac tumors, etc.; atherosclerotic plaques; and passageways within the heart serving as conduits for paradoxical embolization, e.g., patent foramen ovale.
Authors: Irene Meissner; Bijoy K Khandheria; John A Heit; George W Petty; Sheldon G Sheps; Gary L Schwartz; Jack P Whisnant; David O Wiebers; Jody L Covalt; Tanya M Petterson; Teresa J H Christianson; Yoram Agmon Journal: J Am Coll Cardiol Date: 2005-12-06 Impact factor: 24.094
Authors: Bharath Raj Palraj; Larry M Baddour; Erik P Hess; James M Steckelberg; Walter R Wilson; Brian D Lahr; M Rizwan Sohail Journal: Clin Infect Dis Date: 2015-03-25 Impact factor: 9.079
Authors: G Di Salvo; G Habib; V Pergola; J F Avierinos; E Philip; J P Casalta; J M Vailloud; G Derumeaux; J Gouvernet; P Ambrosi; M Lambert; A Ferracci; D Raoult; R Luccioni Journal: J Am Coll Cardiol Date: 2001-03-15 Impact factor: 24.094
Authors: Marco R Di Tullio; Zhezhen Jin; Cesare Russo; Mitchell S V Elkind; Tatjana Rundek; Mitsuhiro Yoshita; Charles DeCarli; Clinton B Wright; Shunichi Homma; Ralph L Sacco Journal: J Am Coll Cardiol Date: 2013-05-01 Impact factor: 24.094