TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF YOUNG-ADULTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE - PROMISES AND CONCERNS

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a valuable and sensitive test to screen for embolic cardiac lesions. This procedure is recommended for the evaluation of most young adults with ischemic stroke. However, several questions about the role of TEE need to be addressed. Large studies that clarify the influence of the results of TEE on management are needed. Additional data about the importance of some of the findings are also needed. The prevalence and significance of TEE-detected abnormalities such as atrial septal aneurysm, patent foramen ovale, left atrial turbulence, left atrial appendage thrombi, Lambl's excrescence, or a Chiari network among young adults require definition. Thereafter, clinical trials can test interventions for primary or secondary prevention of stroke in these cohorts.