Key result
Echocardiography remains the primary imaging tool to identify cardioembolic sources after ischemic stroke or TIA.
Why the study?
Cardiac imaging after ischemic stroke or TIA identifies cardioembolic sources, classifies etiology to guide secondary prevention, and detects comorbidities, but the latest research and clinical approaches needed summarizing.
What is the role of cardiac imaging in identifying cardioembolic sources and guiding secondary prevention after ischemic stroke or TIA?
What is the role of cardiac imaging in identifying cardioembolic sources and guiding secondary prevention after ischemic stroke or TIA?
Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for cardiac work-up after ischemic stroke or TIA, with cardiac MRI and CT serving as complementary second-line options, though evidence on whether systematic imaging improves clinical outcomes is still needed.
Echocardiography remains first-line post-stroke; leaves open whether systematic imaging improves clinical outcomes.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiac imaging after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is used to identify potential sources of cardioembolism, to classify stroke etiology leading to changes in secondary stroke prevention, and to detect frequent comorbidities. This article summarizes the latest research on this topic and provides an approach to clinical practice to use cardiac imaging after stroke. RECENT FINDINGS: Echocardiography remains the primary imaging method for cardiac work-up after stroke. Recent echocardiography studies further demonstrated promising results regarding the prediction of non-permanent atrial fibrillation after ischemic stroke. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography have been tested for their diagnostic value, in particular in patients with cryptogenic stroke, and can be considered as second line methods, providing complementary information in selected stroke patients. Cardiac imaging after ischemic stroke or TIA reveals a potential causal condition in a subset of patients. Whether systematic application of cardiac imaging improves outcome after stroke remains to be established.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Camen et al. (2020) conducted a review in Ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Cardiac imaging (Echocardiography, MRI, CT) was evaluated. Echocardiography remains the primary imaging method for cardiac work-up after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack to identify potential sources of cardioembolism.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: