Left Upper Lung Lobectomy Is an Embolic Risk Factor for Cerebral Infarction

Cerebral embolism is typically caused by a cardiogenic thrombus. The patent foramen ovale is a well-known cause of paradoxical embolism. However, some idiopathic cases of stroke have been reported. Such strokes are designated as embolic stroke of undetermined sources. Among them, lung lobectomy may be a new embolic risk factor for cerebral embolism. The risk of thrombus formation is high at the pulmonary vein stump after lung lobectomy, especially in the left upper lobe. Interestingly, the risk remains several years after surgery.
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Case Studies Source Type: research