Current perspectives on the clinical management of cryptogenic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptogenic stroke is a heterogeneous entity defined as an ischemic stroke for which no probable cause is identified despite thorough diagnostic evaluation. Since about a quarter of all ischemic strokes are classified as cryptogenic, it is a commonly encountered problem for providers as secondary stroke prevention is guided by stroke etiology.

AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors provide an overview of stroke subtype classification schemes and diagnostic evaluation in cryptogenic stroke. They then detail putative cryptogenic stroke mechanisms, their therapeutic implications, and ongoing research. This review synthesizes the available evidence on PubMed up to December 2022.

EXPERT OPINION: Cryptogenic stroke is an evolving concept that changes with ongoing research. Investigations are focused on improving our diagnostic capabilities and solidifying useful constructs within cryptogenic stroke that could become therapeutically targetable subgroups within an otherwise nonspecific entity. Advances in technology may help move specific proposed cryptogenic stroke mechanisms from undetermined to known source of ischemic stroke.