A case of atheromatous plaque in the thoracic aorta as a source of stroke, detected by transesophageal echocardiography

A 54-year-old man was referred to our hospital for investigation into a possible cardiac source of an embolic cerebrovascular event. Physical examination of the cardiovascular system and transthoracic echocardiographic findings were normal. Transesophageal echocardiography enabled detection of an atheromatous ulcerative plaque with mobile thrombus in the thoracic aorta. When the embolic source of stroke cannot be determined by standart diagnostic modalities, transesophageal echocardiography of the aorta may be helpful in this respect.