What is the role of echocardiography in evaluating thromboembolic risk stratification to select appropriate antithrombotic therapy?
Echocardiography may have a role in evaluating thromboembolic risk stratification to select appropriate antithrombotic therapy. Studies have shown that the most consistent independent predictor of ischemic stroke on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the presence of moderate-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, there are limited data to suggest that there would be any incremental clinical benefit in risk prediction, and moreover there is no evidence that management (in terms of oral anticoagulant [OAC]) would be changed. 