Investigation of risk factors in cryptogenic ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION: Cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CS) includes 30-40% of all ischemic strokes. Several studies using different methods of prolonged cardiac monitoring determined atrial fibrillation (AF) in 12-25% of CS patients, however these findings are not enough to explain the etiology of most of the CSs. Our aim is to research thromboembolic sources and vascular risk factors in CS patients. METHODS: The study enrolled 125 patients older than 45 years, 65 of them with CS according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. Control group included patients admitted cardiology outpatient clinic with symptoms of nonspecific chest pain or dyspnea without cerebrovascular diseases. Patients with any history of AF or paroxysmal AF, intra-cardiac thrombus or valvular heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure were excluded. Cardiovascular risk factors, left atrium diameter, left ventricle ejection fraction (EF) (%) and 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring were examined. Blood total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, urea, creatine levels were also analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery diseases were more prevalent in the study group (p30 sec. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular risk factors leading thromboembolism were prominently higher in CS patients, long-term ECG monitoring may explain only the cardioembolic sources due to arrhythmia. Investigation of thromboembolic sources is vital for determining the etiology of CS