Transthoracic echocardiography indices as a biomarker in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source

Abstract

Abstract Background Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) refers to a nonlacunar, nonatherosclerotic infarct in the absence of cardioembolic source or other specific causes of stroke. The presence of ESUS strokes indicates that the conventional risk factors cannot fully account for the pathogenesis of stroke. It is very important to detect useful biomarkers of the risk of ESUS for appropriate 2ry prevention. Results The present study showed significant increase in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) measured by left ventricular mass index and increased left atrial volume index, measuring left atrial dilatation, among ESUS patients. Conclusions Patients with ESUS tended to have Echocardiographic features of heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) as LVH and left atrial dilatation. Therefore, they should be considered as biomarkers for cardioembolic cerebrovascular accidents with the consideration of anticoagulation with new oral anticoagulants as a primary preventive measure.