Embolic stroke, sinus rhythm and left atrial mechanical function

A 64-year-old man manifested a stroke two years after restoration of sinus rhythm through a radiofrequency catheter ablation. Transesophageal echo- cardiography demonstrated the presence of a thrombus in the left atrial appendage. Left atrial volumes and different parameters of atrial emptying showed that, de- spite the persistence of the sinus rhythm, atrial mechanical function was severely impaired. After atrial ablation procedures echocardiography can be useful to stratify pa- tients according to their risk of developing embolic events and hence be of help in deciding whether or not discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy is the appropri- ate choice.