Source of Embolus

Abstract

This chapter initially focuses on defining the role of echocardiography in assessing for potential cardiovascular sources of embolus, including the indications for echocardiography, which is the optimal modality (transesophageal or transthoracic), and how to perform a comprehensive echocardiographic study. The remainder of the chapter discusses individual potential sources (both probable and possible sources), reviewing the evidence for the association between each potential source and embolic events, characteristic echocardiographic features, how to evaluate for it comprehensively with echocardiography, and current treatment strategies.