biostudies-literatureMarta-Enguita JInstituto de Salud Carlos IIISociedad Española de Neurología161https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12932306biostudies-literatureUnknown273(2)<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>Among 299 patients included, 6 (2%) had thrombus-suggestive filling defects, and 32 (11%) had non-well-defined defects. Both groupsJournal of neurologyExtended CTA scan range for early detection of left atrial and left atrial appendage thrombus and other filling defects in acute ischemic stroke.PMC12932306RICORS-Ictus RD24/0009/0023PUBLIbeCAs 2022Vasquez-Ferreccio SBiain SGomez-Usabiaga VDiez NEquiza Jde Arce AMartinez-Zabaleta MAyuso DMarta-Enguita Jde la Riva PGonzalez FDel Bosque CArenaza GfalseExtended CTA scan range for early detection of left atrial and left atrial appendage thrombus and other filling defects in acute ischemic stroke.<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>Among 299 patients included, 6 (2%) had thrombus-suggestive filling defects, and 32 (11%) had non-well-defined defects. Both groups2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Feb2026-07-16T21:28:37.27Z2026-07-10T03:15:34.435ZS-EPMC129323064173371410.1007/s00415-026-13692-6