Cardiovascular: MI, Heart Failure, Arrhythmias · USMLE Step 1

A 70-year-old man with atrial fibrillation develops sudden left arm weakness. Which complication is most likely responsible?

  1. Carotid atherosclerotic embolism
  2. Left atrial appendage thromboembolism
  3. Hypertensive lacunar infarction
  4. Vertebral artery dissection
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Left atrial appendage thromboembolism

Atrial fibrillation promotes thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage, which may embolize to cerebral arteries causing stroke.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 20

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