The role of echocardiography in cryptogenic stroke: a contemporary review

The role of echocardiography is critical in the diagnostic evaluation and management of ischemic stroke, especially cryptogenic stroke, in which the cause is unknown. About 15–30% of ischemic strokes are caused by cardiogenic embolism, making cardiac imaging a critical component of evaluation. Guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology highlight the importance of echocardiography and mobile cardiac telemetry or implantable loop recorders to identify possible sources of cardiac embolism and monitor for atrial fibrillation, thus guiding secondary prevention.