Transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of stroke
Article Abstract:
Transesophageal echocardiography appears to be most useful in evaluating stroke patients who are under 45 years old and who do not have heart disease. Transesophageal echocardiography uses 'echoes' from high frequency ultrasound waves to reveal the position and motions of the heart walls and structures. Recent studies indicate many strokes may be caused by a blood clot originating in the heart, so examining the heart may assist in determining the cause and preventing future strokes. Transthoracic echocardiography has not proved effective in screening undiagnosed stroke patients, but a review of patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography found it much more successful in identifying heart disorders that could lead to stroke. While further research is still needed, the review also suggests transesophageal echocardiography may most benefit stroke victims who are candidates for stroke prevention, are younger than 45 and have no history of heart disease.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1992
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Transesophageal echocardiography to assess embolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation
Article Abstract:
Old age, hypertension and a history of stroke may be better predictors of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation than the presence of blood clots in the left atrium. Atrial fibrillation is a rapid contraction of the upper chambers of the heart, which are called atria. Researchers inserted an echocardiographic probe into the esophagus of 409 patients with atrial fibrillation to see if the left atrium contained a blood clot that could break off and travel to the brain. About 3% had a clot and the presence of a clot increased their risk of stroke. However, age, hypertension and history of stroke were more important risk factors.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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Transesophageal echocardiographic correlates of thromboembolism in high-risk patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Article Abstract:
Low blood flow in the atria, a blood clot in the atria and plaque in the aorta appear to be risk factors for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a rapid contraction of the upper chambers of the heart, which are called atria. Researchers inserted an echocardiographic probe into the esophagus of 382 patients with atrial fibrillation to detect low blood flow or blood clots in the aorta. Low blood flow and blood clots tripled the risk of stroke while plaque in the aorta caused a four-fold increase in risk. This risk could be reduced by warfarin treatment.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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