Malignancy Workup in Cryptogenic Stroke: A Survey of Canadian Stroke and Thrombosis Experts

The diagnostic workup for patients with cryptogenic stroke includes investigating for occult cancer, which is known to increase the risk of stroke. Current guidelines do not provide specific recommendations regarding the optimal approach for occult cancer screening after cryptogenic stroke. We surveyed Canadian stroke and thrombosis physicians to determine current workup preferences for detecting occult cancer after cryptogenic stroke.

We designed and distributed an anonymous online survey targeting physicians who manage patients with cryptogenic stroke through professional memberships of the Canadian Stroke Consortium and Thrombosis Canada. Using 4 clinical scenarios representative of patients with cryptogenic stroke with different ages (younger or older than 50 years) and from both sexes, we asked respondents which tests they routinely recommend when investigating for occult cancer among a list of laboratory investigations, imaging, and procedures. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

We received 138 responses to 5 survey questions. The most commonly recommended investigations were complete blood count (79%), creatinine (63%), and coagulation tests (56%), and the most frequently recommended imaging test was CT of the abdomen and pelvis (39%). A minority of respondents indicated they would order guideline-directed age-appropriate cancer screening. Approximately half of surveyed specialists deferred the workup of cancer to a primary care physician, and 12% did not suggest any cancer workup at all.

This survey of stroke and thrombosis experts found heterogeneity in testing for cancer screening in patients with cryptogenic stroke, with the majority either not screening at all or deferring tests to primary care providers. Our survey highlights the need for better evidence and evidence-based recommendations to guide the approach to cancer screening in this population.