Journal of cardiology
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Journal of cardiology · Jul 2018
ReviewCovert atrial fibrillation and atrial high-rate episodes as a potential cause of embolic strokes of undetermined source: Their detection and possible management strategy.
Cryptogenic ischemic stroke, defined as stroke of undetermined etiology, accounts for 7-25% of all ischemic strokes. Stroke severity is reported to be less severe than cardioembolic stroke and similar to large-artery atherosclerosis. Because its etiology is believed to be mostly an embolic type, it is often called "embolic strokes of undetermined source" (ESUS). ⋯ Furthermore, indication of anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention in patients with AHRE remains undetermined. In this review, we focus on the roles of covert AF and AHRE in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic ischemic stroke or ESUS. Detection of covert AF and AHRE, and possible management strategies are also discussed.