[Embolic stroke of cardiac origin].
Embolism from thrombi, vegetations, and tumours in the heart and from thrombi in the proximal aorta accounts for 20% of cases of ischaemic stroke. These sources of embolism may be revealed by echocardiography but overall the therapeutic consequences are limited. Therefore, a selective strategy is recommended, including referral of patients with stroke and newly-diagnosed 1) atrial fibrillation, 2) heart murmur (urgently in case of positive blood culture), 3) heart failure, and 4) all patients < or =65 years of age with no known predisposition to cerebrovascular disease. Transoesophageal echocardiography may be needed if the condition remains unclarified.
Egeblad
Henrik
H
Arhus Universitetshospital, Skejby, Kardiologisk Afdeling B, Arhus N. egeblad@dadlnet.dk
Kristensen
Bo Traberg
BT
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006337:Heart Murmurs / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology*; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000150:complications*