Proximal aortic atheroma: An independent risk factor for cerebral ischemia

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Transesophageal echocardiography frequently demonstrates aortic atheroma in patients with cerebral and peripheral emboli. The aim of this study was to determine whether atheroma in the ascending aorta and arch is an independent risk factor for cerebral ischemia. Methods: We studied 215 consecutive patients with a first stroke or transient ischemic attack and 202 community-based control subjects using transesophageal echocardiography to detect aortic atheroma and potential cardiac sources for embolism. Information about other stroke rink factors was obtained from a structured interview, and the presence of carotid vascular disease was assessed by means of duplex ultras..