Cryptogenic stroke: An approach towards discovery of its possible hidden causes

Abstract

Abstract Background lschemic stroke is among the leading causes of death and disability. The cause remains unexplained after routine evaluation in 20 to 40% of cases, resulting in the classification, by exclusion, of cryptogenic stroke Objective To unleash possible hidden causes of cryptogenic stroke. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to include 55 cryptogenic stroke patients admitted in stroke units in Ain shams university hospitals, patients were subjected to full general and neurological examination and labs were done to detect presence of autoantibodies Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA), Anti-Double Stranded DNA(anti-dsDNA). Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA), Lupus Anticoagulant (LAS) and Anticardiolipin antibody (ACA). Results 11% of the study group tested positive for LAC and 4 % tested positive for ACA. Conclusion LAC and ACA might be linked to the etiology of cryptogenic stroke