Cryptogenic ischemic stroke, which includes the most recent entity named embolic stroke unknown source (ESUS), is a medically challenging situation where, even after extensive diagnostic evaluation, no major cause can be determined for the stroke. It is estimated that approximately one-third of all ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke, are classified as cryptogenic.
Ischemic stroke workup may include brain imaging scans like CT or MRI, laboratory analysis, transcranial and carotid ultrasound and/or CT angiogram/magnetic resonance angiogram, and electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiogram or transesophageal echocardiography to evaluate heart embolic sources. However, in cryptogenic stroke, these tests yield no conclusive results about the source of the clot.
Identifying the cause of an ischemic stroke is critical to prevent recurrent strokes, and the estimated risk of recurrence of cryptogenic stroke is 30% at 10 years. Therefore, the treatment strategy in the absence of an identifiable case mainly involves general stroke prevention measures, including antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, or statins, in conjunction with lifestyle changes like controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The term 'cryptogenic' implies ambiguity and heterogeneity, prompting researchers to delve deeper to uncover hidden causative factors. It's a dynamic area of investigation, from exploring potential cardiac sources through prolonged cardiac monitoring (Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation), detecting embolic atrial cardiopathy and substenotic arterial diseases, to examining hypercoagulable states by occult malignancy. Significant progress is being made in understanding cryptogenic ischemic stroke, and the unveiling of these concealed causes allows for a more targeted treatment approach, ultimately leading to reduced recurrence rates and improved patient outcomes.
This Research Topic aims to highlight the current research on unidentified or unproven causes of ischemic stroke. We welcome any types of manuscripts supported by Frontiers in Neurology, pertaining but not limited to the following themes:
• Foramen ovale in atypical population
• Carotid web
• Aortic atheroma
• Thrombophilia: acquired or hereditary.
• Embolic cardiopathies without atrial fibrillation
• Diagnostic value of potential ECG, imaging, and biological markers of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
• Stroke associated with viral infections.
• Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source or ESUS
Cryptogenic ischemic stroke, which includes the most recent entity named embolic stroke unknown source (ESUS), is a medically challenging situation where, even after extensive diagnostic evaluation, no major cause can be determined for the stroke. It is estimated that approximately one-third of all ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke, are classified as cryptogenic.
Ischemic stroke workup may include brain imaging scans like CT or MRI, laboratory analysis, transcranial and carotid ultrasound and/or CT angiogram/magnetic resonance angiogram, and electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiogram or transesophageal echocardiography to evaluate heart embolic sources. However, in cryptogenic stroke, these tests yield no conclusive results about the source of the clot.
Identifying the cause of an ischemic stroke is critical to prevent recurrent strokes, and the estimated risk of recurrence of cryptogenic stroke is 30% at 10 years. Therefore, the treatment strategy in the absence of an identifiable case mainly involves general stroke prevention measures, including antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, or statins, in conjunction with lifestyle changes like controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The term 'cryptogenic' implies ambiguity and heterogeneity, prompting researchers to delve deeper to uncover hidden causative factors. It's a dynamic area of investigation, from exploring potential cardiac sources through prolonged cardiac monitoring (Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation), detecting embolic atrial cardiopathy and substenotic arterial diseases, to examining hypercoagulable states by occult malignancy. Significant progress is being made in understanding cryptogenic ischemic stroke, and the unveiling of these concealed causes allows for a more targeted treatment approach, ultimately leading to reduced recurrence rates and improved patient outcomes.
This Research Topic aims to highlight the current research on unidentified or unproven causes of ischemic stroke. We welcome any types of manuscripts supported by Frontiers in Neurology, pertaining but not limited to the following themes:
• Foramen ovale in atypical population
• Carotid web
• Aortic atheroma
• Thrombophilia: acquired or hereditary.
• Embolic cardiopathies without atrial fibrillation
• Diagnostic value of potential ECG, imaging, and biological markers of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
• Stroke associated with viral infections.
• Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source or ESUS