Cerebral embolism of cardiac origin
Desbordes, P.; Orgogozo, J.M.
Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie 37(5): 259-263
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3928 PMID: 3044244 Document Number: 305810
Embolisms of cardiac origin represent approximately 15 p. cent of the causes of cerebral vascular accidents. This article considers the difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problems raised by cerebral embolisms. First: arguments permitting to suspect this mechanism in the absence of an obvious cardiac cause or in the presence of a high incidence heart disease but low embolic potential. The main etiologies are then reviewed emphasizing the evolution of their respective frequencies, then a program of additional investigative examinations is suggested. Finally the indication of anticoagulants is discussed according to neurological and cardiologic criteria.