Severe Spontaneous Echo Contrast Research Articles

Left atrial strain time integral evaluated by two-dimensional speckle tracking predicts left atrial appendage dysfunction in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Cardioembolic stroke is a serious disease with poor prognosis, whose main embolic source is the left atrial appendage (LAA). Left atrial (LA) strain evaluated by the two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking technique has been proposed. However, the commonly used peak LA strain reflects only LA reservoir function. The LA strain also includes indicators of the other LA functions, such as booster pump function, which reflects active contraction of the LA. This study aimed to investigate whether a newly developed parameter, the left atrial strain time integral (LASTI), can evaluate LAA dysfunction more accurately in patients with acute stroke. We measured LA strain using a 2D speckle tracking method in 168 patients with acute stroke and 20 age-matched control subjects. LASTI was calculated as the area under the LA strain curve in one cardiac cycle. LAA dysfunction was defined as LAA thrombus and/or severe spontaneous echo contrast by transesophageal echocardiography. LASTI was significantly lower in patients with LAA dysfunction than those without. LASTI was a better correlation with LAA blood flow velocity measured by transesophageal echocardiography than peak LA strain. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LASTI was an independent predictor of LAA dysfunction after adjustment for conventional risk factors. LASTI can be a feasible parameter for predicting LAA dysfunction in patients with acute stroke.

Isoproterenol loading transesophageal echocardiography in atrial fibrillation.

In patients with sludge or severe spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrial appendage (LAA), cases with isoproterenol loading transesophageal echocardiography (ISP-TEE) have been reported to identify the presence of thrombus in the LAA. This study aimed to assess the validity and hemodynamic changes of ISP-TEE in the LAA. We prospectively enrolled patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent ISP-TEE. The degree of sludge/SEC was categorized as being either absent (grade 0), mild SEC (grade 1), moderate SEC (grade 2), severe SEC or sludge (grade 3). The hemodynamic evaluation was performed by measuring LAA flow velocity, LAA tissue Doppler imaging (LAA-TDI) velocity, and pulmonary vein systolic forward flow velocity (PVS). In total, 35 patients (mean age 71 ± 7years; 71% male) underwent ISP-TEE. Among 35 patients, 30 patients had grade 3 or 2 SEC, 5 patients had grade 1 SEC. After ISP loading, 23 patients (66% of all patients) showed improved sludge/SEC and one patient was diagnosed with thrombus in the LAA. There were 25 patients with grade 1 SEC, or no SEC (classified as Group1), 10 patients had residual sludge or grade 2 to 3 SEC (classified as Group2) after ISP administration. LAA flow, LAA-TDI, and PVS velocities were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 after ISP administration. There was no complication during the examination and after 24h and 3months. ISP infusion may be a potential tool to recognize LAA thrombus under the sludge/SEC during TEE in AF.

A preliminary study of the safety and effectiveness of isoproterenol loading transesophageal echocardiography in atrial fibrillation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background In patients with sludge or severe spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrial appendage (LAA), isoproterenol loading transesophageal echocardiography (ISP-TEE) has been reported to check the presence of thrombus in the LAA, as the sludge or severe SEC disappears (Figure 1). Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the safety of ISP-TEE for the identification of LAA thrombus and the hemodynamic changes in the LAA caused by ISP loading. Methods We prospectively enrolled 25 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and sludge or SEC in the LAA who underwent ISP-TEE from April 2020 to July 2021. ISP was administered intravenously to achieve the target heart rate (HR) defined as follows: Max HR [beats per minutes: bpm] = 220 – age (years), Target HR [bpm] = Max HR × 0.8. Patients with tachycardia exceeding Max HR before ISP administration, hemodynamic instability, and other contraindications to ISP were excluded from the study. To assess the safety of ISP-TEE, we evaluated patients’ condition, changes in systolic blood pressure (sBP) and HR before and after ISP loading. We also assessed the presence or absence of worsening heart failure, new arrhythmias other than atrial fibrillation, and cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack during the examination, and after 24 hours. Hemodynamic evaluation was performed using LAA blood flow velocity, LAA tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) velocity, and LAA volume fraction (LAAVF) defined as follows: LAAVF (%) = (Max LAA volume – Min LAA volume) / Max LAA volume × 100. Quantification of LAA volume was performed using the stacked-contour method of a 3-dimensional TEE full-volume acquisition. Results Among 25 patients, 13 patients had sludge or grade3 SEC, 7 patients had grade2 SEC, 5 patients had grade1 SEC. HR after ISP loading was significantly higher than before loading, but sBP did not change significantly before and after ISP loading. No complications due to ISP loading were observed during examination and after 24 hours. After ISP loading, there were 18 patients with grade 1 SEC or no SEC (classified as Group1), 7 patients had residual sludge or grade 2 to 3 SEC (classified as Group2). The differences in LAA blood flow velocity between before and after ISP loading was faster in Group1 than in Group2: 13.0 ± 10.5 vs 2.6 ± 4.2. p = 0.019. The differences in TDI velocity was also faster in Group1 than in Group2: 1.46 ± 1.14 vs 0.19 ± 0.50, p = 0.010. The differences in LAAVF was higher in Group1 than in Group2: 13.7 ± 10.3 vs 2.2 ± 2.0, p = 0.009. Conclusions In our study, no complications were observed in ISP-TEE for the identification of LAA thrombus. Patients with grade 1 SEC or no SEC, the LAA function was increased by ISP loading. These results may provide insights into the mechanisms of ISP loading on SEC in the LAA. Abstract Figure.

284 An Audit of Severe Spontaneous Echo Contrast and Left Atrial Thrombus in Patients on NOAC and Warfarin Therapy

284 An Audit of Severe Spontaneous Echo Contrast and Left Atrial Thrombus in Patients on NOAC and Warfarin Therapy

High sensitive C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 in atrial fibrillation with rheumatic mitral stenosis from Indian cohort

IntroductionPresence of chronic low grade inflammation has often been implicated in the etiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether pre-existing inflammatory state promotes AF or initiation of AF activates inflammation is a dilemma among clinicians. This study investigates the role of high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in AF with rheumatic mitral stenosis (Rh-MS) as markers of chronic inflammation. MethodsThis case control cohort included sixty five (n=65) Rh-MS patients having other valve lesions as trivial to mild. Out of them twenty nine (n=29; group C) had baseline AF and rest were normal sinus rhythm (NSR). A 24h holter recording was done in NSR patients to diagnose paroxysmal AF/tachyarrhythmia forming group B (n=12) and not having any tachyarrhythmia were designated as NSR; group A (n=24). Resultshs-CRP and IL6 showed statistically significant increase in group C (permanent AF) compared to group A (95% CI: 4.2–0.9, p=0.007; 95% CI: 1.2–0.89; p=0.05 respectively), while it was non significant between group A and group B (p>0.05). A weak positive correlation was observed with hs-CRP and left atrial volume index (LAVi) (r=0.45, p=0.06) in AF group as compared to NSR group. 68.2% of patients in AF group (27/41) had moderate to severe spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) as compared to 37.5% (10/24) in NSR group. ConclusionIncreased hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in the paroxysmal and permanent AF group may favour the hypothesis that low grade chronic inflammation could be the cause of atrial fibrillation than a consequence.

Detection of Signs of Thrombus Formation in Patients With Typical Atrial Flutter

to assess rate of detection of markers of thrombi formation and to determine whether transthoracic echocardiography data or clinical characteristics predict severe left atrial appendage [LAA] dysfunction (low LAA velocity, severe spontaneous echo contrast [SEC], LAA thrombus) in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFl). Consecutive 406 patients (299 with atrial fibrillation [AFib] and 107 with AFl) underwent transesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion. Mean age was 59.3 years, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score- 1.86, mean LAA velocity - 37.02 cm/s. Compared with patients with AF those with AFl had lower rate of detection of markers of thrombi formation (p<0.05). Among patients with AFl 1.8% had SEC grade 4+, 7.4% - LAA velocity less or equal 25 cm/s. LAA thrombus was found in 2.8 and 8.1% of patients with AFl and AFib, respectively. Prevalence of thrombi in left ventricular (LV) cavity was significantly higher inpatients with AFl (3.13 vs. 0.3% in patients with AFib, p=0.02). In patients with AFl systolic LV dysfunction was the main and ost significant predictor of severe LAA dysfunction and presence LV thrombus. AFl associated high risk of embolic events is primarily determined by its adverse effect on LV function.

Left atrial strain as evaluated by two-dimensional speckle tracking predicts left atrial appendage dysfunction in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundLeft atrial appendage (LAA) dysfunction predisposes patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) to cardioembolic stroke. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking was reported to be useful for evaluating left atrial (LA) regional function, as well as left ventricular function. However, it remains unclear whether 2D speckle tracking is useful for evaluating LAA dysfunction. Therefore, we investigated whether decreased LA strain may predict LAA dysfunction and thrombus formation in patients with acute ischemic stroke. MethodsWe performed transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in 120 patients (83 males, mean age 72±11years) within 7days of onset of an acute ischemic stroke. Longitudinal LA strain was evaluated using 2D speckle tracking imaging at each LA segment, and peak systolic strain was calculated by averaging the results for each segment. ResultsForty-eight patients had LAA dysfunction as defined by the presence of LAA thrombus and/or severe spontaneous echo contrast. LA peak systolic strain was significantly decreased in patients with LAA dysfunction compared to those without (32.3±13.7% vs. 12.1±7.2%, p<0.0001). LA peak systolic strain was significantly correlated with LAA emptying flow velocity (r=0.693, p<0.0001). The optimum LA peak systolic strain cut-off value for predicting LAA dysfunction was 19%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LA peak systolic strain was an independent predictor of LAA dysfunction (odds ratio 0.059, 95% confidence interval 0.018–0.146; p<0.0001). ConclusionDecreased LA peak systolic strain was independently associated with LAA dysfunction in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Decreased left atrial peak systolic strain evaluated by two-dimensional speckle tracking reflects left atrial appendage dysfunction in sinus rhythm patients with acute ischemic stroke

It is well known that transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is useful for evaluating left atrial appendage (LAA) function, but TEE is a semi-invasive procedure. Many clinical studies have shown a close relationship between LAA thrombus formation and left atrial (LA) mechanical remodeling. Left atrial (LA) strain assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is a new tool to evaluate LA function. However, the association of LA strain and LAA function remains to be fully determined. We performed transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in 58 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke within 7 days of onset and sinus rhythm at TEE performed (40 males, mean age 71±11 years). Longitudinal LA strain was obtained using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging at each LA segment, and peak systolic strain (S-LAs) was calculated by averaging the results for each segment. Eight patients had LAA thrombus and/or severe LAA spontaneous echo contrast (LAA-SEC). S-LAs was significantly lower in patients with LAA dysfunction than in those without (34.5±12.5 vs. 15.9±7.2%, P<0.01). S-LAs was significantly correlated with LAA eV (r=0.466, p<0.01). The optimal cut off value of S-LAs for predicting LAA dysfunction was determined for 21% (Figure). In patients with LAA dysfunction, 7 patients had low S-LAs. In those 6 patients (86%) had history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation before stroke onset. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that S-LAs was an independent predictor of LAA thrombus and/or LAA-SEC (odds ratio 1.758, p<0.01). In conclusion, decreased S-LAs was independently associated with LAA dysfunction and thrombus formation in patients with acute ischemic stroke and sinus rhythm at echocardiography ![Figure][1] Figure 1. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis of LA peak systolic strain for predicting LAA dysfunction. [1]: pending:yes

Subtherapeutic anticoagulation with dabigatran following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

We report a 66-year-old male with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery who began dabigatran for new onset atrial fibrillation. After 5 weeks of therapy, his transesophageal echocardiogram prior to electrocardioversion showed severe spontaneous echo contrast. Cardioversion was postponed and anticoagulant therapy was continued. The following day, he suffered a thromboembolic stroke. Concern arose that postoperative malabsorption could have resulted in subtherapeutic anticoagulation. This notion was strengthened by a second patient who had subtherapeutic serum levels despite maximal dosing. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report impaired absorption of dabigatran following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.<Learning objective: Dabigatran has a predictable pharmacokinetic profile, allowing for a fixed-dose regimen that does not require frequent monitoring or dietary modifications. However, its absorption in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery has not been studied. Postoperative malabsoprtion, a major complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, can result in inadequate anticoagulation. As a result of unpredictable absorption, strategies allowing for routine monitoring may be best in this population.>

Black Defects in Severe Spontaneous Echo Contrast Teach Us the Protective Aspect of Mitral Regurgitation Visually

A 74-year-old Japanese female was diagnosed as chronic atrial fibrillation, and anticoagulant therapy with warfarin started. One year after anticoagulant therapy, she was referred to our center for evaluation of cardiac function. Transthoracic echocardiography by Philips iE33 ultrasound system with S5-1 transducer (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA) revealed huge left atrial thrombus (53 × 36 mm) (Fig. 1A). Left ventricular ejection fraction was 44% with no focal asynergy. Her blood coagulation study revealed no significant problems. At that time, her prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) was 1.7, therefore we adjusted warfarin dose to maintain PT-INR levels at 2.0-3.0. Several weeks later, we performed transthoracic echocardiography by Siemens ACUSON SC2000 ultrasound system with 4V1 transducer (Siemens Ultrasound, Mountain View, CA, USA) and found the huge thrombus had almost disappeared (Fig. 1B). Trans-esophageal echocardiography by ACUSON SC2000 ultrasound system with V5M trans-esophageal transducer (Siemens Ultrasound, Mountain View, CA, USA) also revealed no thrombus in the left atrium and revealed severe spontaneous echo contrast (Fig. 1C-F). Left atrial appendage flow velocity was about 10 cm/sec. Black defects of spontaneous echo contrast are completely same region shown as mild mitral regurgitation in color Doppler imaging (Fig. 1D vs. C, F vs. E, and Supplementary movie 1).

The Association of Interleukin 6−634C/G Polymorphism With Left Atrial Thrombus and Severe Spontaneous Echocontrast in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) not only is an independent risk factor for death but also confers significant risk of morbidity from stroke associated with left atrial thrombus. The association of interleukin 6 (IL-6) polymorphism with thrombus in AF has not been investigated before. We carried out a case-control study in Han Chinese. The IL-6 -634C/G genotypes of 31 patients with thrombus and 45 patients without thrombus were detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The frequencies of the IL-6 genotypes (CC, CG, and GG) were 29.03%, 54.54%, and 16.13% for the patients with thrombus, and 55.56%, 40.00%, and 4.44% for the patients without thrombus, respectively (P = .0391). Compared with the CC genotype, the G allele carriers (CG + GG) had a 2.79-fold increased risk of thrombus or severe spontaneous echocontrast (SEC). These results suggest that IL-6 -634C/G polymorphism is associated with thrombus and severe SEC, and the G allele is an independent risk for thrombus and severe SEC in Han Chinese patients with AF.

Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography Compared to Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Pulmonary Vein Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation (ROTEA Study)

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for assessing pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy and stenosis after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), but radiation exposure can be a concern. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides anatomic and functional assessment of the PVs, although no study hasprospectively compared findings on TEE with those on CT. The Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography Compared to Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Pulmonary Vein Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation (ROTEA) study was a prospective, single-blinded observational study of patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing ablation. TEE and CT were performed immediately before and 3 months after AF ablation. The study included 43 patients (84% men; mean age, 56 ± 11 years). In the preprocedural study, TEE identified 98% of PVs with adequate Doppler measurements obtained. After ablation, no moderate or severe PV stenosis was detected on CT, and a 30% to 50% reduction in luminal diameter was seen in 5% of studied veins. Functional PV stenosis by pulsed-wave Doppler was seen in two veins on TEE. PV diameters decreased after ablation by 0.20 ± 0.03 and 0.22 ± 0.03 cm as measured by CT and TEE, respectively (P < .001). However, TEE underestimated PV ostial dimensions compared with CT, especially for the inferior PVs. Severe spontaneous echo contrast and low left atrial appendage emptyingvelocities, were identified in 10% of patients in sinus rhythm after ablation. In the ROTEA study, TEE was feasible in assessing PVs before and after ablation, providing bothanatomic and functional information that complemented CT. PV ostial dimensions after ablation can be monitored using either modality, although TEE underestimates PV dimensions, especially for the inferior veins.

The association of beta-fibrinogen 455 G/A gene polymorphism with left atrial thrombus and severe spontaneous echo contrast in atrial fibrillation

The role of coagulation parameters left atrial thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation has not been investigated before. We aimed to investigate the association between the beta-fibrinogen gene polymorphism or glycoprotein IIIa gene polymorphism and presence of left atrial (LA) thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Forty-seven patients with AF, in whom transesophageal echocardiography was performed, were included to this cross-sectional observational study. Patients were divided in two groups; those with LA thrombus (n=24) were assigned to group 1 and those without thrombus in group 2 (n=23). DNA analysis was conducted to determine gene polymorphism in all patients. Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. There were no significant differences between groups regarding to demographic and clinical characteristics. The frequency of beta-fibrinogen 455 G/A polymorphism was higher (37.5%) in group 1 as compared to group 2 (15.1%) but it did not reach statistical difference (p=0.23). When we added patients with severe SEC in the study group (patients with severe SEC and/or thrombus n=27) the difference (44.40%-10%) reached the statistical difference (p=0.01). Glycoprotein IIIa Pl A1/A2 polymorphism was not different between groups with (p=0.82) or without SEC (p=0.73). In patients with atrial fibrillation, beta-fibrinogen 455 G/A gene polymorphism is associated with the presence of left atrial thrombus and severe SEC. Beta-fibrinogen 455 G/A gene polymorphism may be a promising marker for the prediction of thromboembolism risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Incidence of spontaneous echocontrast, ‘sludge’ and thrombi before cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation: new insights into the role of transesophageal echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided cardioversion has been demonstrated to be well tolerated in patients with atrial fibrillation. Guidelines do not suggest whether patients with severe spontaneous echocontrast (SEC) and sludge can be safely submitted to cardioversion. In our observational study, we analyzed the prevalence of SEC in patients with atrial fibrillation taking different anticoagulant therapies, the incidence of embolic complications after cardioversion in patients with severe SEC or sludge and the usefulness of TEE in reducing embolic complications in these patients. The study population consisted of 1104 patients with atrial fibrillation, candidates for cardioversion and submitted to TEE. They were divided into four groups: effective conventional oral anticoagulation, short-term anticoagulation, subtherapeutic anticoagulation and effective oral anticoagulation for less than 3 weeks for different clinical reasons. Cardioversion was postponed in patients with atrial thrombosis; in the presence of severe SEC, the decision to cardiovert was left to the treating physician. Atrial thrombosis was detected in 65 (5.9%) patients, and SEC was detected in the majority of patients independent of the anticoagulant scheme; in 131 patients, it was severe and, in this group, sludge was identified in 57 patients. Cardioversion was performed in 922 patients and was successful in 849 (including 22 patients with severe SEC and four with sludge) with one minor embolic event. SEC and sludge are frequently observed in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardioversion. A TEE approach may prevent the risk of embolic events. In the presence of severe SEC and sludge, treating physicians frequently postpone cardioversion, even though in the patients submitted to cardioversion, no events were observed.

Left atrial appendage filling defects identified by multidetector computed tomography in patients undergoing radiofrequency pulmonary vein antral isolation: A comparison with transesophageal echocardiography

Patients referred for radiofrequency pulmonary vein antral isolation undergo contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to assess pulmonary vein and left atrial anatomy as well as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to detect intraatrial thrombus. We sought to determine the accuracy of MDCT to qualitatively and quantitatively detect severe spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) or thrombus by TEE in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Two hundred twenty-three consecutive MDCT and TEE studies performed within 7 days of each other were retrospectively identified. The LAA was evaluated by MDCT for filling defects and by TEE for thrombus or SEC. Severe SEC or thrombus on TEE was considered positive. In patients with preserved ejection fraction, the Hounsfield unit (HU) density of a 1-cm2 region of interest was measured in the LAA and ascending aorta (AA) of the same slice to calculate an LAA/AA HU ratio. Visually identified filling defects in LAA by MDCT correspond to severe SEC and thrombus with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 93%, 85%, 31%, and 99%, respectively. Multidetector CT missed severe SEC detected by TEE in one examination; all thrombi, however, were correctly identified. There is a significant inverse association between mean LAA/AA HU ratios with increasing grades of SEC or thrombus (P < .001). Using an LAA/AA HU ratio cutoff of 0.25, the positive predictive value and specificity increased to 75% and 96%, respectively, while preserving a high negative predictive value (96%). Multidetector CT can qualitatively and quantitatively identify and distinguish severe LAA SEC/thrombus from lesser grades of SEC.

Pre- and post-cardioversion transesophageal echocardiography for brief anticoagulation therapy with enoxaparin in atrial fibrillation patients: a prospective study with a 1-year follow-up

Background In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) eligible for electrical cardioversion (C), the guided approach with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows to avoid the 3 weeks of recommended precardioversion anticoagulation therapy. However, after sinus rhythm restoration, at least other 4 weeks of oral anticoagulation therapy are indicated, due to the postcardioversion thromboembolic risk related to left atrial (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) stunning. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the effectiveness and the safety of anticoagulation therapy discontinuation 7 days after C using low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) in a selected group of patients who underwent a pre-C and 7 days post-C TEE evaluation. Methods One hundred one patients (74 patients with nonvalvular AF and 27 patients with atrial flutter lasting >48 h and history of AF) were enrolled into the study. Two patients refused the TEE, therefore, in 99/101, we performed a first TEE and, within 24 h, a C if there were no LAA thrombi, complex aortic plaques or severe spontaneous echocontrast. After C and 7 days of home-administered enoxaparin, a second TEE was carried out. In the absence of any new thrombi, severe spontaneous echocontrast and/or low emptying velocity of LAA, the therapy with enoxaparin was stopped; otherwise, anticoagulation therapy with enoxaparin was overlapped with oral anticoagulation and continued for at least 3 weeks. All patients were clinically followed at 1, 6 and 12 months after C. Results Sinus rhythm was restored in 68/99 patients after successful C. The second TEE was carried out in 53 patients. At 1 month follow-up, no thromboembolic events were recorded either in patients at risk who had continued the oral anticoagulant therapy for at least 3 weeks or in those who suspended LMWH after 7 days post-C TEE. Between the 2nd and 12th month, three ischemic strokes occurred, all in the group of patients who had anticoagulation therapy for at least 3 weeks and had shown LAA velocity <25 cm/s at first or second TEE. No thromboembolic events were recorded in patients with normal LAA velocity; conversely, among the patients who had shown low LAA velocity at either TEE, three suffered from ischemic stroke. In two of these three patients, low LAA velocity was detected only at post-C TEE. Conclusions A brief anticoagulation therapy using LMWH appears to be safe and feasible. The 7 days post-C TEE can well-define patients without LAA stunning at low thromboembolic risk, who may take advantage of an early interruption of enoxaparin as an alternative to long oral anticoagulation. The LAA stunning, even in the absence of other thromboembolic risk factors, could select a group of patients at high risk who should continue oral anticoagulation indefinitely or until signs of LAA dysfunction disappear.

1441 Long-term significance of severe left atrial spontaneous echo contrast at the time of electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: an acute trial substudy with 6-month follow-up

1441 Long-term significance of severe left atrial spontaneous echo contrast at the time of electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: an acute trial substudy with 6-month follow-up

Transient Ischemic Attack with Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

A 66-year-old Turkish male patient admitted to our emergency department with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is described. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and an ECG sinus rhythm. Transesophageal echocardiography detected severe spontaneous echocontrast (SEC) in the left atrial (LA) cavity with apical hypertrophy.

Left atrial appendage anatomy and function: short term response to sustained atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVETo determine whether there is significant atrial or atrial appendage enlargement or functional remodelling as a result of one to two months of sustained atrial fibrillation, a duration similar to...

Increased systemic coagulation activity in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis: assessment of the clinical and echocardiographic determinants.

In this study, we aimed to determine systemic coagulation activity in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis and to define determinants of a possible prethrombotic state. Peripheral venous plasma level of thrombin-antithrombin III complex was measured in 84 consecutive patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis who had no left atrial thrombus by transesophageal echocardiography. The patients had significantly higher thrombin-antithrombin III complex values (mean +/- SD = 9.6+/-15.9 ng/ ml) compared with the healthy subjects (2.1+/-1.8 ng/ml) (P<0.001). Among many clinical and echocardiographic variables, severe mitral regurgitation (odds ratio = 6.7, P<0.001) and left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (odds ratio = 22.8, P<0.001) appeared as significant predictors of the increased systemic coagulation activity in multivariate logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, systemic coagulation activity is increased in the patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis, and coexistence of severe mitral regurgitation and presence of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast are determinants of this increment.