Echocardiography
Cardiac embolus caused by cardiac dysfunctions like atrial fibrillation is a frequent cause of stroke. Uncoordinated or compromised heart contractions may provoke blood flow stasis and activate clotting with a high risk of consecutive cerebral embolism, stroke and re-stroke. An echocardiogram is therefore essential for the comprehensive analysis of a stroke’s etiology as much as for the prevention of recurring embolism. Echocardiography can be performed as transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) Doppler ultrasound investigation. One of the most common indications for a TEE is to rule out the source of emboli.
Siemens supports your diagnosis and etiology analysis of stroke with echocardiography systems of outstanding imaging quality, dedicated diagnostic applications, evidence-based clinical risk assessment and efficient workflows.
Blood testing
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of stroke have to take into account a broad variety of health conditions that can promote or mimic stroke. Some of these health conditions such as hypoglycemia or abnormal coagulation status are detectable by blood testing. Blood analysis is also vital to rule out certain contraindications to thrombolytic treatment and other therapeutic options.
As recommended by international stroke guidelines, complete blood count, coagulation, metabolic and inflammatory parameters should be determined for every patient suspected of stroke. Siemens' comprehensive portfolio of diagnostic products - in clinical laboratories, physicians' offices, at the patient's bedside, and in institutions large and small - can help provide early and accurate diagnosis, which may help save precious time, expense, and more importantly, lives.