The Role of Cardiac Imaging in Stroke Prevention.

This article reviews the role of cardiac imaging in stroke prevention, defining how imaging tools can be useful in this field. Cardioembolic sources during atrial fibrillation are discussed. New closure devices can be implanted in the left atrial appendage and routinely monitored with imaging modalities. Acute and chronic left ventricular dysfunction is reviewed, identifying the possible mechanism of thrombus formation and its early detection. Valvular evaluation of native heart disease and possible implications for stroke risk are defined.
(Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)