Extended CTA scan range for early detection of left atrial and left atrial appendage thrombus and other filling defects in acute ischemic stroke.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) are common sites of thrombus formation leading to cardioembolic stroke. We aimed to include LA/LAA in acute-phase stroke CT angiography (CTA) to detect potential embolic sources early.

Methods

The CTA scan range was extended to include the LA/LAA. We retrospectively reviewed CTAs from patients treated at Donostia University Hospital between December 2020 and November 2021. LA/LAA images were classified as normal filling, non-well-defined filling defect, and thrombus-suggestive filling defect. Clinical, demographic, and stroke severity data were compared across groups.

Results

Among 299 patients included, 6 (2%) had thrombus-suggestive filling defects, and 32 (11%) had non-well-defined defects. Both groups

SUBMITTER: Marta-Enguita J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12932306 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature