TNF and atherosclerosis: Previous studies have suggested that the inflammatory response after ischemic stroke was irrespective of stroke subtypes, and cardioembolic subtype was even reported with higher level of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α.21 Another possible explanation involved may be addressed as the comorbidity of atherosclerosis in cardioembolic patients.22 It is true since the comorbidity found in our study is nearly 50%, which was confirmed by vascular imaging such as vascular ultrasonography, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography.