Recurrent embolic cerebral infarction and anticoagulation.

A retrospective review of the hospital course of 44 patients with embolic cerebral infarction was carried out. Eleven patients (25%) suffered recurrent embolic infarction. Three of the recurrences were fatal. Two patients suffered a recurrence within 48 hours of the initial event, and an additional patient suffered a recurrence 6 days after the initial event. Sixteen embolic infarctions were managed with therapeutic anticoagulation within 48 hours without adverse effect. The clinical and experimental data concerning early anticoagulation after embolic infarction were reviewed. It appears that the risk of early anticoagulation is less than the risk of recurrent embolic infarction.