Three-Case Report of Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is a new clinical construct. It signifies that the embolus in the thromboembolic ischemic stroke is of unknown origin. The anticoagulants are usually prescribed for antithrombotic prophylaxis, but whether it is appropriate for all patients with ESUS is still unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this article, we describe 3 cases of ESUS, all of whose antithrombotic therapy was antiplatelet medication, and the 3 patients had no recurrence on 3- to 7-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Because there was no obvious risk factor found in these ESUS cases, the recurrence risk is difficult to evaluate, and the optimum means of secondary prevention are still unknown. Hence, many aspects warrant resolution.