title: Transnasal transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of left atrial thrombus.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Osaka Ekisaikai Hospital, 2-1-10 Honden, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0022, Japan. h-syouta@mve.biglobe.ne.jp
authors: Shota
authors: S
authors: Fukuda
authors: Kenei
authors: K
authors: Shimada
authors: Toshihiro
authors: T
authors: Kawasaki
authors: Haruyuki
authors: H
authors: Taguchi
authors: Kumiko
authors: K
authors: Maeda
authors: Hiromi
authors: H
authors: Fujimoto
authors: Hitoshi
authors: H
authors: Inanami
authors: Ken
authors: K
authors: Yoshida
authors: Satoshi
authors: S
authors: Jissho
authors: Minoru
authors: M
authors: Yoshiyama
authors: Junichi
authors: J
authors: Yoshikawa
mesh_terms: 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