[Ischemic cerebral infarct in young adults. An overview of epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and prognosis].

Some 5 to 10% of all ischemic insults occur in young adults and constitute a diagnostic-therapeutic challenge. The leading causes are atherosclerotic disease, vascular dissections, vasculitis and, in particular, cardioembolic events. In addition, there exists a broad spectrum of relatively rare disorders most of which need to be dealt within specialized neurological stroke units. Nevertheless, the etiology of up to 20% of such events remains unexplained. The present article provides an up-to-date review of the necessary etiological considerations, diagnostic measures, and results relevant to the prognosis of juvenile ischemic stroke.