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Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
Management of cryptogenic stroke.
1Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria. fifigs1@yahoo.de
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|September 30, 2010
Summary
Cryptogenic stroke (CS) is a cerebral ischemia of unknown origin, affecting one-third of ischemic stroke patients. Identifying the cause, often cardiac embolism or vasculopathy, guides appropriate stroke prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Cryptogenic stroke (CS) constitutes one-third of all ischemic strokes.
- The etiology of CS often remains undetermined due to transient events or incomplete investigations.
- CS is more prevalent in younger individuals compared to older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common causes of cryptogenic stroke.
- To outline the diagnostic work-up for cryptogenic stroke.
- To discuss the management and prevention strategies for cryptogenic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cryptogenic stroke causes, diagnostics, and management.
- Analysis of diagnostic modalities including echocardiography, ECG, and advanced imaging.
- Review of treatment protocols for identified causes like patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Main Results:
- Cardiac embolism (e.g., from PFO, atrial fibrillation) and vasculopathy (e.g., aortic plaques, Fabry's disease) are leading causes of CS.
- Diagnostic work-up involves transesophageal echocardiography, long-term ECG, CT/MR angiography, and Doppler sonography.
- Stroke recurrence rates and prognosis for CS are subjects of ongoing research.
Conclusions:
- Identifying the specific cause of CS is crucial for targeted stroke prevention and treatment.
- Management strategies vary based on the underlying etiology, with specific recommendations for PFO.
- Primary and secondary stroke prevention for CS aligns with that for strokes of known etiology.
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