Left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Case Rep Cardiol. 2012:2012:646505. doi: 10.1155/2012/646505. Epub 2012 Sep 3.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, and a major risk factor for disabling cerebral embolic stroke. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder, characterized by vascular abnormalities with high-bleeding tendency and therefore intolerance for oral anticoagulation. We report a case of percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage, which might be a good alternative strategy instead of chronic oral anticoagulation to protect patients with high-risk AF and HHT from cerebral embolic strokes.