Cardiac diagnostic work-up of ischaemic stroke

Hayang Yang1,2, Martina Nassif1, Paul Khairy3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Insights

Identifying cardioembolic sources is crucial for ischemic stroke patients. Recent advances guide cardiac evaluation and management for strokes, especially those with unknown causes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Stroke Medicine

Background:

  • Cardioembolic sources constitute 20-30% of ischemic strokes.
  • Identifying the source is vital for prognosis and treatment.
  • Recent advancements have improved understanding and management of embolic strokes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a cardiac diagnostic work-up scheme.
  • To address patients with definite cardioembolic sources.
  • To manage embolic strokes of undetermined source.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent developments in cardiac diagnostics for ischemic stroke.
  • Proposal of a structured diagnostic pathway.
  • Focus on patients with unknown stroke etiology.

Main Results:

  • New diagnostic and management strategies are available.
  • A clear work-up scheme is proposed.
  • Improved identification of cardioembolic sources is achievable.

Conclusions:

  • A structured cardiac diagnostic approach is essential.
  • Recent advances enhance the management of cardioembolic stroke.
  • The proposed scheme aids in evaluating strokes of undetermined origin.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiac Output II: Effect of Stroke Volume on Cardiac Output01:22

Cardiac Output II: Effect of Stroke Volume on Cardiac Output

Cardiac output (CO), the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, is a parameter in cardiovascular physiology determined by stroke volume and heart rate. Stroke volume, the amount of blood pushed from one of the ventricles per heartbeat, is influenced by preload, afterload, and contractility.
Preload
Preload refers to the initial elongation of the cardiac myocytes before contraction and is related to the volume of blood filling the heart at the end of diastole, or end-diastolic volume. The...
3.5K
Cardiac Output and Stroke Volume01:11

Cardiac Output and Stroke Volume

Cardiac output (CO) is an integral aspect of human physiology, reflecting the heart's efficiency and responsiveness to the body's needs. It represents the volume of blood that the left or right ventricle ejects into the aorta or pulmonary trunk each minute. The CO is calculated by multiplying the heart rate (HR)—the number of heartbeats per minute—by the stroke volume (SV)—the amount of blood pumped out with each heartbeat.
In an average resting adult male, the typical cardiac...
4.9K
Regulation of Stroke Volume01:27

Regulation of Stroke Volume

The regulation of stroke volume, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps out during each heartbeat, is critical for maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Stroke volume is influenced by three main factors: preload, contractility, and afterload.
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
5.2K
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:29

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
589
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
2.7K
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.2K