title: [Diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular accidents of cardioembolic origin].
abstract: Compared to the normal population, patients with atrial fibrillation are at a significantly enhanced risk for cerebrovascular insults, in particular when the fibrillation is of recent occurrence, chronic rather than paroxysmal, and when it is associated with cardiopathy. Several studies have documented the efficacy of anticoagulation in prevention of cerebrovascular insults. Aspirin may be a valid alternative in young patients without cardiopathy; however, anticoagulation is more effective in patients which have experienced thromboembolism. In elderly patients (over 75 years) the situation is unclear, because the favorable effects of anticoagulation are offset by an increased risk for intracerebral hemorrhage. The treatment must thus be individualized by assessment of a risk/benefit ratio.
authors.affiliation: Centre de cardiologie, Hôpital cantonal universitaire de Genève.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Ricou
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Arroyo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000150:complications; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000150:complications; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin
vernacular_title: Investigations et traitement des AVC d'origine cardio-embolique.