Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Dense Spontaneous Echo Contrast at High Risk: A Prospective and Serial Follow-Up Over 12 Months With Transesophageal Echocardiography and Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging

摘要: OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) determine incidence cerebral embolism under continued oral anticoagulation. BACKGROUND Patients AF SEC have an increased risk embolism. However, there is little knowledge about long-term fate rate clinical silent METHODS Between 1998 2001, all consecutive were included in study. performed serial prospective transesophageal echocardiography, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, examinations during a period 12 months. RESULTS A total 128 included. The control group consisted 143 faint AF. During follow-up period, three (2%) had neurologic deficits. eight (6%) died due embolic events, 19 (15%) embolism, as documented on imaging. event significantly lower left appendage peak emptying velocities more commonly history previous thromboembolism denser SEC, compared without event. CONCLUSIONS high likelihood (22%) and/or death, despite Low are independent predictors