Echocardiography and Stroke; A Narrative Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Professor, Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Hypertension Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Evaluation of embolic stroke mechanism is an important diagnostic step in approaching patients with ischemic stroke (IS). Cardiogenic embolism has been estimated to be the causative factor in 15-30 percent of all IS; and near to 30% of patients with IS, are also embolic stroke undetermined source (ESUS). Various cardiac disorders including arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation), ventricular and arterial thrombus, valvular heart disease, cardiac tumors, endocarditis, structural atrial and ventricular defects, and atrial and ventricular cardiomyopathies can cause cardioembolic stroke. Although the aortic arch is not a cardiac structure, it is usually evaluated under source of cardiac. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography are widely used diagnostic modalities for evaluation, diagnosis, and management of embolic stroke and ESUS, systemic and pulmonary embolism. This article reviews potential high- and low-risk cardiac sources of stroke, and discusses the role of both types of echocardiography in clinical practice.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 September 2020
  • Revise Date: 30 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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