Table 1.

Features Suggestive of Cardioembolic Stroke

Clinical

Sudden onset to maximal deficit

Rapid regression of symptoms

Visual field defect, neglect or aphasia

Concomitant palpitations or oppressive chest pain

MRI or CT

Simultaneous or sequential infarcts in different arterial territories

Hemorrhagic transformation

Hyperdense artery sign in absence of arterial pathology

Ultrasound

Occlusion of the carotid artery by a mobile thrombus

Early recanalisation of an arterial occlusion

Microembolism (HITS) in both middle cerebral arteries

Laboratory

Elevation of troponins or cardiac enzymes

Brain natriuretic peptide