Transnasal transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of left atrial thrombus.
BACKGROUND
The widespread use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is limited by disadvantages, including patient intolerance and increased medical costs. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of transnasal TEE in the detection of possible embolic sources in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or stroke, using an ultrathin TEE probe.


METHODS
Sixty-two patients with AF and/or stroke underwent transnasal TEE without conscious sedation. The presence or the absence of the following parameters was evaluated: left atrial (LA) thrombus; LA spontaneous echocardiographic contrast; intraatrial shunts; and aortic plaque.


RESULTS
The insertion of a TEE probe was successful in 52 (84%) patients. TEE found LA thrombus in 10 (19%) patients and other embolic sources in 4 (8%) patients. Two (4%) patients had mild epistaxis.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that the use of transnasal TEE was feasible and safe in the detection of LA thrombus in patients with AF and/or stroke.
Fukuda
Shota
S
Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Osaka Ekisaikai Hospital, 2-1-10 Honden, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0022, Japan. h-syouta@mve.biglobe.ne.jp
Shimada
Kenei
K
Kawasaki
Toshihiro
T
Taguchi
Haruyuki
H
Maeda
Kumiko
K
Fujimoto
Hiromi
H
Inanami
Hitoshi
H
Yoshida
Ken
K
Jissho
Satoshi
S
Yoshiyama
Minoru
M
Yoshikawa
Junichi
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications*; D003328:Coronary Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity; D012306:Risk; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology