Prognostic Significance of Spontaneous Echo Contrast in the Thoracic Aorta: Relation With Accelerated Clinical Progression of Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Spontaneous echo contrast detected within the thoracic aorta by transesophageal echocardiography is a common and important clinical marker that is strongly associated with an increased risk for future myocardial infarction and cardiac mortality. Future studies will attempt to define the pathophysiology of this relation and assess whether aggressive revascularization strategies and antithrombotic therapy may aid in the reduction of this risk.