Left Atrial Mechanics Assessed Early during Hospitalization for Cryptogenic Stroke Are Associated with Occult Atrial Fibrillation: A Speckle-Tracking Strain Echocardiography Study

•Occult AF contributes to the pathogenesis of cryptogenic stroke in up to 30%. •LA strain echocardiography can identify stroke patients at high risk of AF. •Impaired booster pump strain rate is a strong and independent predictor of AF. •Impaired LA mechanics warrant extended rhythm follow-up. Background Occult atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important contributor to cryptogenic stroke, yet remains difficult to unmask at presentation. This study...