Dense Spontaneous Echo Contrast Research Articles

Cardioversion in Acute Atrial Fibrillation Without Anticoagulation.

A major concern in cardioversion of newly detected atrial fibrillation is the risk of thromboembolic events. The vast majority of these events occur in the first week following cardioversion. Transesophageal echocardiography has demonstrated that thrombus and dense spontaneous echo contrast may occur in the left atrium and left atrial appendage in patients with acute atrial fibrillation (<48 hours) scheduled for cardioversion. Moreover, atrial function may become impaired immediately following successful cardioversion. The risk of thromboembolic events increases with the presence of stroke risk factors, such as heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, female sex and age above 65-75 years. Thus, the current guidelines of the ESC and ACC/AHA/Heart Rhythm Society recommend that patients with acute atrial fibrillation should undergo cardioversion under cover of unfractionated or low-molecular weight heparin followed by oral anticoagulation for at least 4 weeks in patients in patients at moderate-to-high risk for stroke. In line with the guidelines, new evidence from a large patient population suggests that after successful cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation, patients have a low overall risk of thromboembolic events without any anticoagulation when they have no risk factors for thromboembolism. In contrast, the risk is in the range of 10% in patients with multiple classic risk factors for thromboembolism.

Comparison of Transesophageal Echocardiography Versus Computed Tomography for Detection of Left Atrial Appendage Filling Defect (Thrombus)

Patients with atrial fibrillation, who are referred for radiofrequency pulmonary vein antral isolation, frequently undergo transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to detect and/or exclude left atrial or left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus and cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) to define and/or evaluate left atrial and pulmonary venous anatomy. Previous studies have reported CCTA to have high sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for detecting thrombus in the LAA. Previous studies determining an optimal LAA/ascending aorta (AA) Hounsfield unit (HU) density ratio for detection of LAA thrombus have been small, with limited numbers of thrombi. We thus sought to determine both the optimal cutoff for LAA HU density and LAA/AA HU density ratio in detecting LAA thrombus compared with TEE in a multicenter population. We included 84 patients who had undergone CCTA and TEE. LAA was evaluated by 64-row CCTA qualitatively (visual filling defect) and quantitatively (measurement of LAA HU density and LAA/AA HU density ratio), using a 1-cm area of interest in the same axial plane. Results were compared with TEE visualization of thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast. Qualitative identification of thrombus in LAA by CCTA compared with TEE detection of thrombus had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 77.9%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 51.6%, an NPV of 100%, and a total accuracy of 82.1%. The optimal LAA HU density cutoff for thrombus detection was 119 with a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 86%, PPV 56%, and an area under the curve of 0.923 (p = 0.0004). The optimal LAA/aorta HU ratio was 0.242 with a sensitivity of 87%, a specificity of 88%, a PPV of 64%, and an area under the curve of 0.921 (p = 0.0011). There is no significant difference (p = 0.72) between both areas under the curve, and both measurements improved the specificity and PPV compared with qualitative measures. Multidetector computed tomography is an imaging technique that can exclude LAA thrombus with very high NPV. Quantitative measurement of LAA HU density (cutoff 119) or LAA/aorta HU density ratio (cutoff 0.242) improves accuracy of positively detecting LAA thrombus. This technique is especially useful when delayed scanning is not performed and LAA is found incidentally after the patient scanning is complete.

CUTE‐CV: A Prospective Study of Enhanced Left Atrial Appendage Visualization with Microbubble Contrast Agent Use during Transesophageal Echocardiography Guided Cardioversion

The aim of our study was to demonstrate that the use of contrast microbubbles during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guided cardioversion will improve interpretation of the TEE images. TEE-guided cardioversion of atrial flutter or fibrillation (AF) is a safe and proven method to restore sinus rhythm. However, artifacts and dense spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrial appendage (LAA) can sometimes decrease the level of confidence in excluding the presence of thrombus. One hundred patients referred for TEE-guided cardioversion were prospectively enrolled and microbubble contrast agent (DEFINITY) was administered after the clinical decision had been made regarding suitability for cardioversion. Noncontrast and contrast images were compared during subsequent offline analysis. LAA dimensions and contractility indices were higher, artifacts were significantly differentiated, previously unsuspected LAA filling defects were identified, and the level of confidence in excluding thrombus was enhanced in the contrast images when compared to the noncontrast images. After 4 months follow-up, 1 stroke-associated death occurred in a patient who had LAA thrombus recognized only by contrast. Left atrial appendage visualization is enhanced with microbubble contrast agent use during transesophageal echocardiography guided cardioversion and is useful in identification of intracardiac thrombus.

Transesophageal Echocardiography for Cardiac Thromboembolic Risk Assessment in Patients With Severe, Symptomatic Aortic Valve Stenosis Referred for Potential Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Stroke is a devastating complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and might partially be related to cardiac embolization. The aim of this single-center prospective study was to determine the incidence of intracardiac thrombi and left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), both known predictors of cardiac embolic stroke, in patients referred for potential TAVI. One hundred four consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis and at high or very high risk for surgery were included and underwent transesophageal echocardiography. In 11 patients (10.6%), intracardiac thrombi were detected, and 25 patients (24%) showed dense grade 2 SEC. Atrial fibrillation (p <0.0001), diastolic dysfunction (p= 0.0005), and atrial size (p= 0.0038) were related to the presence of intracardiac thrombus and/or dense SEC on multivariate analysis. In conclusion, the incidence of intracardiac thrombi and dense SEC in (very) high-risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis referred for potential TAVI is high and can accurately be detected using transesophageal echocardiography. Systematic thromboembolic evaluation using transesophageal echocardiography is thus recommended in patients referred for TAVI.

Spontaneous Echo Contrast as a Risk Factor for Cerebrovascular Accident

Spontaneous Echo Contrast as a Risk Factor for Cerebrovascular Accident Embolic stroke accounts for 20% of ischemic stroke. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) comes third as risk factor for stroke. Dense left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LA SEC) has been shown to be an independent predictor of cerebral embolism in non-valvular AFib. We present an elderly patient with stroke in the left middle cerebral artery territory who was found to have LA SEC as dense as agitated saline on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This case stresses the importance of recognizing SEC as a risk factor for stroke.

Pulmonary vein spontaneous echocontrast and stroke after pulmonary lobectomy

Assessment of possible cardiac sources of cerebral embolism is a frequent indication for transesophageal echocardiography. We report the case of a patient with a previous left upper pulmonary lobe resection who presented with an ischemic stroke suggestive of cardioembolic origin. A dense spontaneous echo contrast was found in the left upper pulmonary vein stump, which, in the absence of other potential causes of stroke, was considered to be related to the embolic event. We discuss the clinical significance of this finding as a possibly underappreciated source of systemic embolization.

Atrial fibrillation and hyperthyroidism: relation between transoesophageal markers of a thrombogenic milieu and clinical risk factors for thromboembolism

Hyperthyroidism is a questionable risk factor for thromboembolism among patients with atrial fibrillation. To correlate clinical risk factors for thromboembolism from a group of patients with atrial fibrillation related to hyperthyroidism with transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) markers of a thrombogenic milieu. Clinical risk factors for thromboembolism, thyroid hormonal status, time since diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and TOE markers of a thrombogenic milieu were assessed in consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation related to hyperthyroidism. The following TOE parameters were assessed to define the presence of thrombogenic milieu: dense spontaneous echo contrast, thrombi or left atrial appendage blood flow velocities <0·20 m/s. Clinical risk factors for thromboembolism were based on CHADS(2) (Cardiac failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes and Stroke) classification. This study included 31 consecutive patients aged between 18 and 65 years with atrial fibrillation related to hyperthyroidism scheduled for TOE. Thrombogenic milieu was present in 14 of 31 (45·2%) patients. The thyroid status could not predict the presence of a thrombogenic milieu. Despite low CHADS(2) score of 0/1, 6 of 13 (46·1%) patients had a thrombogenic milieu, whereas 10 of 18 (55·6%) patients with score ≥2 had none. The probability of having a thrombogenic milieu did not correlate with the number of clinical risk factors. Among patients younger than 65 years of age with atrial fibrillation related to hyperthyroidism, there is no association between clinical risk factors with TOE markers of a thrombogenic milieu. TOE adds useful information that may affect antithrombotic therapy guided by clinical risk classification.

Spontaneous Fontan Physiology in Burnt-Out Endomyocardial Fibrosis

A 42-year-old man presented with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. He had been diagnosed with endomyocardial fibrosis 8 years earlier and was stable on diuretics. He had congested neck veins, pedal edema, and massive ascites and a loud third heart sound. ECG confirmed atrial fibrillation. The chest radiograph showed massive cardiomegaly with a cardiothoracic ratio of 90%. Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed features of endomyocardial fibrosis with predominant right ventricular involvement (online-only Data Supplement Movie I; Figure, A). The right atrium was aneurysmally dilated with dense spontaneous echo contrast. The right ventricular cavity was obliterated. The inferior vena cava measured 28 mm with no respiratory variation, suggesting high systemic venous pressures. Hepatic vein flow showed loss of a wave reversal and increased antegrade flow in inspiration. Low-pressure tricuspid regurgitation was reflected in the …

Development of heart failure and stroke in the setting of myocardial noncompaction

We present a 30-year-old male patient who developed new-onset heart failure and stroke in the setting of myocardial noncompaction. He presented with shortness of breath that progressively worsened in the past 15 days. Chest X-ray showed diffuse bilateral infiltration with bilateral hilar fullness. Electrocardiography showed sinus rhythm, signs of left ventricular hypertrophy, and diffuse T-wave negativity. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated moderate systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle and trabeculations and intertrabecular recesses in the anterolateral and apical regions of the inferior wall. Dense spontaneous echo contrast was seen in the left ventricular cavity. He also had a bicuspid aortic valve. The patient developed stroke at the eighth hour of hospitalization. Heparin infusion and heart failure treatment were started. Transesophageal echocardiography showed no thrombus. Clinical and radiological findings improved significantly during the follow-up. Oral anticoagulant therapy was initiated and the patient was discharged with control recommendations. Myocardial noncompaction was also demonstrated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Possible refinement of clinical thromboembolism assessment in patients with atrial fibrillation using echocardiographic parameters

Some transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) findings are associated with an increased risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was designed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc in the prediction of these findings and test the additive value of transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)-derived parameters as a possible refinement for these classifications. Cross-sectional study of 405 consecutive patients who underwent TTE and TEE evaluation during AF. Stroke risk assessment was performed using the CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores, alone and alongside with the addition of two TTE-derived parameters (left atrium area and left ventricle global systolic function). Comparisons regarding the presence of left atrial appendage thrombi (LAA T), dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), and left atrial appendage (LAA) low flow velocities (LFV) were performed using receiver operating characteristic curves. In low-risk patients, as assessed through the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score and CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores plus echo parameters, no high-risk features were found on TEE. In subjects classified as low risk using CHADS(2), this figure rose to 10%. No significant differences were found between CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc in the prediction of LAA T, dense SEC, and LAA LFV. The addition of TTE-derived parameters to the previous clinical-risk scores resulted in improved prediction of the TEE endpoints. These findings suggest that the use of TTE-derived parameters may be a valuable way of refining the available clinical risk schemes for the detection of surrogate markers of stroke. Follow-up studies using clinical endpoints will be necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Risk-benefit ratio assessment for stroke prevention in intermediate risk atrial fibrillation patients: will TEE-based aspirin treatment fill the gap?

Risk-benefit ratio assessment for stroke prevention in intermediate risk atrial fibrillation patients: will TEE-based aspirin treatment fill the gap?

Incidence and Predictors of Left Atrial Thrombus in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis and Sinus Rhythm: A Transesophageal Echocardiographic Study

Rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) predisposes to left atrial (LA) thrombus formation. The reported incidence of LA clot formation in sinus rhythm (SR) is 2.4-13.5% in small studies. To determine the incidence of LA thrombus in MS in SR in a large cohort of patients and to determine the factors that predict its development. Total of 848 consecutive patients with MS in SR who were being evaluated for percutaneous transvenous mitral commisurotomy were included in the study. Both transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) were performed to identify clot and other hemodynamic parameters. The mean age of the study population was 34 ± 9 years and the mean mitral orifice area was 0.78 ± 0.18 cm(2). Out of 848 patients 56 (6.6%) had LA thrombus on TEE. On univariate analysis there was a trend toward thrombus formation in individuals with age >44 years, LA inferosuperior dimension >6.9 cm, mean mitral gradient >18 mmHg and dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). On multivariate analysis none of the factors predicted clot formation. The incidence of LA thrombus in MS in SR is 6.6%. TEE is warranted in MS patients in SR when they are >44 years, LA inferosuperior dimension >6.9 cm and mean mitral gradient >18 mmHg. When SEC is absent on TEE, thrombus formation is unlikely.

175 Is high sensitive C reactive protein related to clinical and echocardiographic risk of thrombo-embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is associated with a prothrombotic state with an increased risk of stroke. Recent studies suggested that there is an apparent link between thrombogeneses and inflammation. we sought to study the relation between high sensitive C reactive protein (HS CRP) and clinical (CHAD score) and echocardiographic prothrombotic indexes in patients with atrial fibrillation. we prospectively measured HS CRP in 100 patients with atrial fibrillation. The mean age was 56 ± 12 years. All patients underwent transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The TEE risk factors for thromboembolism considered were: a peak left appendage velocity 0.2 m/s, the presence of a thrombus and a dense spontaneous echo contrast. HS CRP was correlated with the clinical CHAD score (r = 0.54, p = 0.0001). CRP value was significantly higher among patients with a CHAD score 2 (6.91 ± 4.4 mg/dl vs 4.35 ± 3.8, p = 0.001). Values of HS CRP were comparable between patients having 1 TEE risk factor and those with no TEE risk factor (5.13 ± 3.7 vs 6.5 ± 0.5 p = NS). the significant correlation between the CHAD score and HS CRP could be explained by the existence in this score of factors associated with elevated CRP. Although no apparent relation was found between the HS CRP and echocardiographic risk factors of thromboembolism, these results do not exclude the inflammatory hypotheses in the pathogeneses of thromboembolism. A study of the correlation between CRP and thrombo-embolic complications during follow up of patients is mandatory.

Prevalence of Left Atrial Thrombus and Dense Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Patients With Short-Term Atrial Fibrillation < 48 Hours Undergoing Cardioversion: Value of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Guide Cardioversion

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided cardioversion (CV) to prevent thromboembolic complications in patients with short-term atrial fibrillation (AF) < 48 hours in duration. This single-center, observational study comprised 366 consecutive, unselected patients with short-term AF < 48 hours in duration. During the first 2 years, CV was performed using the conventional approach without TEE. Thereafter, CV guided by TEE was performed in consecutive patients. TEE revealed left atrial thrombi in 1.4% and left atrial dense spontaneous echo contrast in 10% of patients with short-term AF (n = 207), of whom 63% were receiving anticoagulation therapy. Patients without prior anticoagulation had a 4% prevalence of left atrial thrombi. A low ejection fraction and an enlarged left atrium tended to be associated with an increased prevalence of thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast. During the first month after CV, there were no significant differences in the rate of embolic events between the two treatment groups. These results underline the need for further studies on the usefulness of TEE-guided CV in patients with short-term AF who are not therapeutically anticoagulated at presentation.

C-reactive protein and left atrial appendage velocity are independent determinants of the risk of thrombogenesis in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background The association between inflammatory status and thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. We studied the correlation between inflammation and the risk of thrombogenesis in patients with AF and the relationship of inflammation with other factors associated with thrombotic risk. Methods We studied 150 consecutive patients (69 men, age 65 ± 12 years) with persistent non-valvular AF who had transesophageal echocardiography prior to cardioversion. Patients underwent also measurements of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and hematocrit levels. Results Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence ( n = 52) or absence ( n = 98) of dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in left atrium or left atrial appendage. The two groups were similar for age, sex, and major clinical risk factors. Patients with dense SEC had significantly larger left atrium diameter ( p = 0.007), lower left atrial appendage mean velocity ( p < 0.0001), and higher levels of C-reactive protein ( p = 0.003), D-dimer ( p = 0.008), and fibrinogen ( p = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, only left atrial appendage velocity (odds ratio: 19.11; 95% confidence interval 4.2–80.9) and C-reactive protein (odds ratio: 3.41; 95% confidence interval 1.2–9.8) were significantly associated with thrombus and/or dense SEC. However, there was no relationship between C-reactive protein levels and left atrial appendage velocity ( p = 0.24, r = − 0.09). Conclusions Our results show that left atrial appendage velocity and C-reactive protein are independently associated with the risk of thromboembolism in AF. Thus, blood stasis and inflammation appear to constitute two major distinct components of thrombogenesis.

Prevalence and clinical impact of left atrial thrombus and dense spontaneous echo contrast in patients with atrial fibrillation and low CHADS2 score

To evaluate the prevalence and clinical impact of left atrial (LA) thrombus and dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and low CHADS(2) score undergoing cardioversion. A total of 295 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF and a CHADS(2) score of 0 or 1 from the prospective single-centre registry ANTIK, who underwent transoesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion, were included in the study. Median follow-up was 5 years. LA thrombus was present in 3% and dense SEC in 8% of patients. Independent predictors for the presence of thrombus or dense SEC were ejection fraction (EF) <40% and LA diameter > or =50 mm. In anticoagulated patients, thrombus and dense SEC were not independently associated with an increased risk for stroke or death during the 5 year follow-up (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.50-4.83). Despite a low CHADS(2) score of 0/1, 3% of patients have LA thrombus and 8% of patients have dense SEC. Independent predictors for the presence of thrombus and dense SEC were EF <40% and LA dimension > or =50 mm. Thus, echocardiography might be a useful tool for further risk stratification in patients with low CHADS(2) score.

Annular Systolic Velocity Predicts the Presence of Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Mitral Stenosis Patients with Sinus Rhythm

Thromboembolism is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in mitral stenosis (MS), even in sinus rhythm (SR). Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) is the strongest predictor of thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to investigate if the annular velocities obtained with tissue Doppler imaging can predict the presence of SEC in MS patients with SR. One hundred and five MS patients and 100 controls were included. Annular velocities were recorded. All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography. Subjects were divided into three groups as controls (Group I), the patients without SEC (Group II) and the patients with SEC (Group III). Group III patients had lower ejection fraction, annular systolic velocity, smaller mitral valve area, higher transmitral gradient and larger left atrial size. The annular systolic velocity was the only independent predictor for SEC. The cutoff values of annular systolic velocity for prediction of the presence of any SEC and dense SEC were 13.5 and 11.8 cm/s, respectively. The annular systolic velocity is an independent predictor for SEC in MS patients with SR.

Prevalence and Clinical Importance of Spontaneous Echo Contrast Within the Carotid Artery in Patients With Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) is composed of numerous microechoes swirling in the cardiovascular lumen, usually appearing during blood stasis. This study aimed to clarify the clinical importance of SEC in the carotid artery (CA) in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD). In 264 CAs of 132 consecutive patients with ICVD and in 40 CAs of 20 healthy control subjects, SEC was classified as none, faint, or dense, and CA abnormalities, including plaque, plaque ulcer, mural thrombus, and internal CA stenosis, were assessed with 10-MHz sonography. The overall prevalence of SEC was greater in CAs of patients with ICVD (164/264 [62%]) than in CAs of control subjects (6/40 [15%]; P < .0001). Dense SEC was more specifically detected in CAs of ICVD with the prevalence of 81 (31%) of 264, which was greater than that of controls (1/40 [3%]; P = .0002). Dense SEC was more frequently detected in CAs with plaque (38/98 [39%]) than in those without (43/166 [26%]; P = .0285), in CA plaque with ulcerative lesions (7/10 [70%]) than in those without (31/88 [35%]; P = .0325), in CA plaque with a thrombus (11/12 [92%]) than in those without (27/86 [31%]; P < .0001), and in CAs with severe stenosis (11/13 [85%]) than in those with mild stenosis (25/75 [33%]; P = .0005) and in those without stenosis (45/176 [26%]; P < .0001). Dense SEC was frequently observed in CAs of patients with ICVD, especially in those with local atheromatous lesions, although the influence of systemic factors could not be excluded. Dense SEC within a CA may be a marker of ICVD.

Atrial fibrillation—

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a risk of cerebral embolism. Echocardiographic parameters elevate this risk significantly. However, there is little knowledge about the long-term fate and the rate of clinically silent cerebral embolism under continued oral anticoagulation. The aims of our study were to assess prognosis of patients with AF and determine a high risk group with an increased risk of cerebral embolism under oral anticoagulation. Consecutive patients with persistent or permanent AF and left atrial (LA) thrombi, dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and/or reduced LA appendage peak emptying velocities (LAAv) were included in the study (N = 128). Patients with AF and without echocardiographic risk factors (N = 114) served as controls. All patients were examined with transesophageal echocardiography, cranial magnetic resonance imaging and clinically during a period of three years. During the three-year follow-up period 6 (5%) of the high risk patients had cerebral embolism with neurological deficits. 4 (3%) patients died due to embolic events and 17 (13%) patients had silent embolism as documented on MRI. In the control group 8 (7%) patients had embolic events (n = 1 clinically apparent and n = 7 silent embolism) documented on MRI, one was clinically apparent. Study patients with an event had more commonly previous thromboembolism (p < 0.0001). Patients with peristent or permanent AF and LA thrombi, dense SEC or reduced LAAv have an explicitly increased risk of cerebral embolism (21%) despite oral anticoagulation. Previous thromboembolic event is another important predictor for an event.

Patients at High Risk with Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective and Serial Follow-up During 12 Months with Transesophageal Echocardiography and Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Patients with atrial fibrillation and echocardiographic risk factors have a relevant risk of cerebral embolism. However, there is little knowledge about the long-term fate and the rate of clinical silent cerebral embolism under continued oral anticoagulation. Our aims were to assess the prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation and determine a high-risk group with an increased risk of cerebral embolism under oral anticoagulation. A total of 173 consecutive patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation and left atrial (LA) thrombi, dense spontaneous echocontrast, reduced LA appendage peak emptying velocities, or a combination of these were included in the study. In all, 169 patients with atrial fibrillation and without echocardiographic risk factors served as control patients. We performed serial and prospective transesophageal echocardiography, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical examinations during a period of 12 months. During the follow-up period 7 (4%) of the patients at high risk had cerebral embolism with neurologic deficits. A total of 4 (2%) patients died because of embolic events and 19 (11%) patients had silent embolism as documented on magnetic resonance imaging. In the control group, 10 (6%) patients had embolic events documented on magnetic resonance imaging; one was clinically apparent. Study patients with an event had more often previous thromboembolism (P < .0001). Patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation and LA thrombi, dense spontaneous echocontrast, or reduced LA appendage peak emptying velocities have an explicitly increased risk of cerebral embolism (17%) despite oral anticoagulation. Previous thromboembolic event is another important predictor for an event.