[Embolic stroke of cardiac origin].

Embolism from thrombi, vegetations, and tumours in the heart and from thrombi in the proximal aorta accounts for 20% of cases of ischaemic stroke. These sources of embolism may be revealed by echocardiography but overall the therapeutic consequences are limited. Therefore, a selective strategy is recommended, including referral of patients with stroke and newly-diagnosed 1) atrial fibrillation, 2) heart murmur (urgently in case of positive blood culture), 3) heart failure, and 4) all patients < or =65 years of age with no known predisposition to cerebrovascular disease. Transoesophageal echocardiography may be needed if the condition remains unclarified.