[Cardiac diagnostics after ischemic stroke or transitory ischemic attack]

Stroke is the most common cause of permanent disability and one of the most common causes of death. Cardio-embolic strokes are associated with a poor prognosis and a high risk of recurrence compared to other stroke etiologies. The most common source of cardiac embolism is atrial fibrillation which must be quickly identified to optimize secondary stroke prevention. A structured evaluation after ischemic stroke includes taking the medical history, a physical examination, 12-lead ECG recording, rhythm monitoring for 72 h, transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography, if an atrial embolic source of stroke is suspected. Extended cardiac work-up (e. g., MRI/CT, prolonged rhythm monitoring) should be performed in selected patients based on diagnostic findings.