The potential role of the left atrial septal pouch in cryptogenic stroke

Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2016;14(1):1-3. doi: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1100536. Epub 2015 Oct 21.

Abstract

The left atrial septal pouch (LASP) is an anatomic variant of the atrial septum that forms a blind-ending pouch, communicating exclusively with the left atrium (LA). Case reports have demonstrated thrombus within LASP and in the setting of cryptogenic stroke. Initial epidemiologic results are mixed, one study showing and others not showing an association between LASP and cryptogenic stroke. Additional investigation should take place to determine the clinical significance of LASP and what interventions are required to prevent ischemic stroke in at-risk individuals.

Keywords: cryptogenic stroke; ischemic stroke; left atrial septal pouch; septal pouch.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Early Medical Intervention / methods*
  • Heart Atria* / pathology
  • Heart Atria* / physiopathology
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial* / complications
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial* / pathology
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke* / etiology
  • Stroke* / prevention & control
  • Thrombosis* / etiology
  • Thrombosis* / pathology
  • Thrombosis* / prevention & control