Online first
Review paper
Published online: 2024-08-12
Echocardiographic Insights into Cardioembolic Stroke: Identifying Risk Factors and Sources
Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading global causes of death and long-term disability. Approximately 15-40% of ischemic strokes have a cardioembolic origin. These are associated with worse prognosis, higher propensity for early and late recurrences, and increased mortality compared to other types of ischemic strokes. Echocardiographic examination is a crucial diagnostic tool for determining both the etiology of the stroke and appropriate secondary prevention. Early implementation of causative treatment reduces the risk of disability and decreases long-term patient care costs. This article focuses on discussing high-risk heart diseases associated with cardioembolic sources, such as atrial flutter and fibrillation, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, presence of artificial heart valves, infectious endocarditis, intracardiac masses, and aortic atherosclerosis. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography play a significant role in diagnosing these conditions. The aim of this review is to discuss optimal diagnostic methods for potential sources of cardioembolism and to explore new potential predictive factors for stroke occurrence in echocardiographic studies.
Keywords: ischemic strokeechocardiographycardioembolic strokesecondary prevention
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