Screening tools for malignancy in patients with cryptogenic stroke: Systematic review.

Summary: Imagine surviving a stroke only to discover it was a warning sign of something else. For patients with "cryptogenic" strokes—those without a clear cause—up to 20% actually have an underlying, hidden cancer. This systematic review highlights a life-saving opportunity: by checking specific blood markers (like D-dimer) and looking for specific patterns of multiple spots on brain scans, doctors can identify who is at high risk. The authors propose a new screening plan to catch lung, stomach, and other cancers early in these stroke patients, potentially turning a medical crisis into a timely intervention.