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Document Details : Title: Dilated cardiomyopathy, spontaneous echo contrast in the aorta and embolic events Author(s): G. Kozdag , G. Ertas , T. Sahin , T. Kiliç , A. Agaçdiken , U. Bildirici , A. Vural , D. Ural Journal: Acta Cardiologica Volume: 65 Issue: 1 Date: 2010 Pages: 9-14 DOI: 10.2143/AC.65.1.2045883 Abstract : Background — Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) is a frequent finding in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this study, we have investigated the frequency and clinical correlates of aortic-SEC (Ao-SEC) in patients with DCM. Methods — Ninety-two consecutive DCM patients (63 men, 29 women, mean age 60 ± 11 years) underwent transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography. Results — Ao-SEC was found in 53 patients (58%). It was associated with: (i) a lower cardiac index (P < 0.001); (ii) left atrial-SEC (P < 0.001); (iii) left ventricular-SEC (P = 0.008); (iv) a larger aortic root (P = 0.02); (v) the presence of complex aortic atherosclerotic plaques (P < 0.001). The significant determinant of thromboembolism was left-atrial SEC (P = 0.03). We did not find a significant correlation between Ao-SEC and thromboembolism. Conclusion — Most of the patients who developed embolic events in the follow-up period had Ao-SEC. Thromboembolism is rather associated with left-atrial SEC than with Ao-SEC. |
