[Cerebral embolism of cardiac origin]

Embolisms of cardiac origin represent approximately 15 p. cent of the causes of cerebral vascular accidents. This article considers the difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problems raised by cerebral embolisms. First: arguments permitting to suspect this mechanism in the absence of an obvious cardiac cause or in the presence of a high incidence heart disease but low embolic potential. The main etiologies are then reviewed emphasizing the evolution of their respective frequencies, then a program of additional investigative examinations is suggested. Finally the indication of anticoagulants is discussed according to neurological and cardiologic criteria.