Aortic Atheromas: Current Knowledge and Controversies: A Brief Review of the Literature

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Atheromatous disease of the aorta is a known marker of vascular disease and is associated with ischemic stroke, peripheral embolization, and coronary events. Transesophageal echocardiogram is routinely used to assess aortic atheromas. Discrepancies exist in the grading of aortic atheromas. Atheromas with >4 mm thickness or with plaque rupture and mobile fragments are more likely to be associated with peripheral embolic events. Antiplatelet agents, oral anticoagulants, and statins have been suggested in the management of atheromas but sufficiently powered, randomized, controlled trials are not available to guide medical management of atheromas.