Abstract
Cardioembolic stroke accounts for nearly 30% of all known stroke mechanisms. This
percentage may be underestimated, however, when considering the large proportion of
cryptogenic strokes that likely have a covert cardiac source. Although it is well
known that cardioembolic stroke can occur in the setting of atrial fibrillation, other
mechanisms such as a systolic heart failure, patent foramen ovale, valvular dysfunction,
and aortic arch atheroma are commonly encountered in daily practice. The authors provide
an overview on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, and secondary
prevention treatment strategies for cardioembolic stroke.
Keywords
stroke - transient ischemic attack - cardioembolism - stroke prevention - patent foramen
ovale
