New information on the genetics of stroke.

Ischemic stroke, white matter hyperintensities related to small vessel ischemia, and intracranial aneurysms all show heritability. This review focuses on recent progress in understanding the molecular genetics of these disorders. Also reviewed is recent progress in understanding single-gene disorders in which stroke is a major feature of the phenotype, including CADASIL, CARASIL, hereditary angiopathy with nephropathy, aneurysm and muscle cramps, and Fabry disease and progress in pharmacogenomics as it relates to response to antiplatelet therapy.