Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2018 Nov-Dec;61(5-6):456-467. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2018.11.007. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Abstract

Acute ischemic stroke is a condition with considerable mortality and morbidity. When used appropriately, Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) can be an incredibly useful tool to identify potential causes of stroke and guide management. The crucial distinction in this modality lies in separating common incidental findings from those likely to have contributed to ischemic stroke. Furthermore, the management of identified intracardiac causes varies widely from open surgery to antiplatelet therapy. This review seeks to discuss the role of TEE in identifying common etiologies of cardioembolic stroke, review the clinical entities, and the highlight the most recent management recommendations.

Keywords: Cardiac tumors; Cryptogenic stroke; Ischemic stroke; Patent foramen ovale; Sludge; Transesophageal echocardiography/echocardiogram; Valvular vegetations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Ischemia / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Ischemia / etiology*
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
  • Heart Diseases / complications
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging
  • Stroke / etiology*
  • Stroke / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed