General Cardiology Part 6

Question 10/36
What is the mechanism of stroke after an anterior myocardial infarction?
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Question 10/36
What is the mechanism of stroke after an anterior myocardial infarction?

After myocardial infarctions (especially anteriorly), the myocardial stunning that occurs can result in blood pooling toward the akinetic segment (frequently the cardiac apex) resulting in thrombus formation. Embolization of this thrombus can cause a stroke. There is no good data in regards to prevention of left ventricular thrombi, however the ACC/AHA guidelines give a class I, level of evidence B recommendation to warfarin therapy for 3 months when there is a cardiac source of embolus suspected after a myocardial infarction.

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