Conclusion:
In conclusion, our study adds to the existing body of evidence by reaffirming the established associations between atrial cardiopathy, stroke subtypes, and atrial fibrillation (AF) in a geographically distinct population. Our findings highlight the association between lower LA strain and ESUS stroke subtype, as well as the higher prevalence of AF in ESUS patients, which supports the hypothesis that atrial cardiopathy plays an important role in the mechanistic pathway of ESUS. Consequently, we propose that incorporating routine quantification of LA strain may be a valuable tool for clinicians in risk stratification and selecting appropriate secondary prevention strategies for ESUS patients identified at high risk of recurrence.