Etiologies of embolic strokes of undetermined source

Cryptogenic stroke refers to an ischemic stroke with unknown etiology after comprehensive screening. Studies have shown that most cryptogenic stroke is embolic. In recent years, some researchers put forward taking the embolic strokes of undetermined source as a new subtype of stroke, which is defined as a nonlacunar ischemic stroke excluding intracrania and extracranial artery stenosis and main source of cardiogenic embolism. It is expected to provide a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of cryptogenic stroke. This article reviews its potential etiologies, such as low-risk cardiogenic embolism, paradoxical embolism, and non-stenotic vulnerable plaques. Key words: Stroke; Brain Ischemia; Embolism