The role of cardiac diagnostics in cryptogenic stroke: the current state of knowledge

Abstract

Cryptogenic stroke is a stroke of unknown aetiology. Over two thirds of cryptogenic strokes have an embolic, mainly cardiogenic, source. This is why cardiac imaging and looking for cardiac arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation, are so important.

In patients with implanted devices, the routine use of recording intracardiac electrocardiography in the device’s memory is recommended in order to find so-called atrial high-rate episodes. The improvements in diagnostic tools and the progress in atrial fibrillation monitoring have lowered the number of strokes of unknown aetiology, and in many cases have allowed the application of appropriate secondary prophylaxis.