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European Journal of Echocardiography 2006 7(5):401-404; doi:10.1016/j.euje.2005.07.014
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Copyright © 2005, The European Society of Cardiology

Embolic stroke, sinus rhythm and left atrial mechanical function

Renzo M.R. Lombardoa,*, Caterina Reinab, Maurizio G. Abrignania, Annabella Braschic and Stefano De Castrod

aDepartment of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Antonio Abate, Via Cosenza, 91016 Erice – Trapani, Italy
bVilla dei Gerani, Via A. Manzoni 83, Erice – Trapani, Italy
cUniversity of Palermo, Via del Vespro 141, 90100 Palermo, Italy
dDepartment of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Science, "La Sapienza" University, Roma, Italy

Received 27 December 2004; received in revised form 20 July 2005; accepted after revision 28 July 2005.

* Corresponding author. Divisione di Cardiologia, Ospedale S. Antonio Abate, Via Cosenza, 91016 Erice – Trapani, Italy. Tel.: +393338523749; fax: +390923568805. renzolombardo{at}libero.it


  Abstract

A 64-year-old man manifested a stroke two years after restoration of sinus rhythm through a radiofrequency catheter ablation. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated the presence of a thrombus in the left atrial appendage. Left atrial volumes and different parameters of atrial emptying showed that, despite the persistence of the sinus rhythm, atrial mechanical function was severely impaired.

After atrial ablation procedures echocardiography can be useful to stratify patients according to their risk of developing embolic events and hence be of help in deciding whether or not discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy is the appropriate choice.

Keywords: Echocardiography; Atrial fibrillation; Stroke


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