Case-Based Modules > Case 22

Amiodarone can be a very effective antiarrhythmic. As this patient has demonstrated a clear propensity to sustain cardioembolic events (his index presentation of a stroke and the etiology that's now been nicely made clear), the risk of cardioverting him, whether electrically or chemically, is that of triggering more embolism due to restoration of left atrial kick. There are times when we just have to accept that risk as being outweighed by other clinical risks. We need one more key piece of information before we can make a justified treatment decision.

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