[Cardiopathies associated with a low embolic risk].
Advances in cardiac imaging techniques have resulted in the recognition of several potential cardioembolic sources (such as patent foramen ovale, atrial septal aneurysm, strands, mitral valve prolapse), but it is often not clear whether the findings, which often have a substantial prevalence in patients without stroke, are merely an associated abnormality or a direct cause of the stroke. Overall, these cardiopathies are associated with a low risk of stroke. Studies are needed to better define the risk and mechanisms of stroke associated with these cardiac abnormalities, to determine which patients are at increased risk of stroke and to assess the potential benefits from therapeutic interventions. Unless we can define strict indications for therapeutic interventions, we risk ending up with exposing some patients to unnecessary complications of treatment.
Mas
J L
JL
Service de Neurologie, Centre R. Garcin, Hôpital Sainte-Anne 1, Paris.
D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications*; D003323:Coronary Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors