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Emergency: requires immediate attention
Cryptogenic stroke
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Emergency: requires immediate attention

Cryptogenic stroke

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Contributors: Andrea Wasilewski MD, Richard L. Barbano MD, PhD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

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Synopsis

Cryptogenic stroke : Aphasia, Vision loss, Focal neurologic deficit, Facial droop
Cryptogenic stroke is an ischemic stroke for which no etiology (such as large or small vessel atherosclerosis or cardioembolism) is identified following a complete diagnostic evaluation. It is therefore a diagnosis of exclusion. If the etiology is found, the stroke will not be considered cryptogenic. Cryptogenic stroke ultimately includes mechanisms such as patent foramen ovale (PFO), hypercoagulable states, and aortic arch atherosclerotic plaque. Cryptogenic stroke also includes stroke for which multiple mechanisms of stroke may be possible. Venous thromboembolism may result in stroke due to paradoxical embolism from a venous thromboembolism travelling through a PFO or cardiac septal defect. Occult atrial arrhythmias (particularly atrial fibrillation), cardiac malformations, cardiomyopathy, and vasculopathies are also proposed possible mechanisms for cryptogenic stroke.

Studies show that 25%-40% of ischemic strokes are cryptogenic without clear association with gender or age. Some studies have shown that the likelihood of cryptogenic stroke is higher in patients younger than 50 years and in Black and Hispanic patients than in White patients.

Patients with cryptogenic stroke will present with acute onset of focal neurologic symptoms such as focal weakness, sensory loss, vision loss, or aphasia.

Codes

ICD10CM:
I63.9 – Cerebral infarction, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
16891111000119104 – Cryptogenic stroke

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Last Reviewed:05/19/2021
Last Updated:06/07/2021
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Emergency: requires immediate attention
Cryptogenic stroke
Print  
Cryptogenic stroke : Aphasia, Vision loss, Focal neurologic deficit, Facial droop
Copyright © 2022 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.