Right-to-left shunts may be not uncommon cause of TIA in Japan

摘要: Abstract Background and purpose Although 30% to 60% of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) have embolic sources, the etiology remaining TIAs is unknown. Right-to-left shunt (RLS) one most important etiologies cryptogenic stroke. The aim this study was determine whether RLS related attack (TIA) unknown etiology. Methods We performed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and/or transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies for consecutive TIA patients in order detect from April 2004 December 2006. were divided into three groups, as follows: 1) Cardioembolic TIA, with a patent cardioembolic source, 2) thrombotic an atherothrombotic lacunar mechanism, 3) undetermined without identified cause TIA. compared characteristics presence among these groups. Results enrolled 124 (age: 67 ± 13 years old, 80 men). There 13 25 Thrombotic 86 Undetermined TEE TCD able 61 (49%) patients. frequent those other groups (60% group, 28% 15% group; p  Conclusion may play role cause.