The Use of Diagnostic Tests in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Standard diagnostic studies in acute stroke aimed at secondary stroke prevention are unlikely to yield results that warrant prolongation of hospitalization. Carotid endarterectomy is the only intervention with reasonable evidence suggesting benefit in the early period after stroke. Pursuing extracranial carotid artery imaging during initial hospitalization seems justifiable, especially given the high yield of CD and EMRA in the detection of treatable carotid artery stenosis.