Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation after stroke and transient ischaemic attack: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OUP accepted manuscript

The management of patients with stroke is often multidisciplinary, involving various specialties and healthcare professionals. Given the common shared risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease, input may also be required from the cardiovascular teams, as well as patient caregivers and next-of-kin. Ultimately, the patient is central to all this, requiring a coordinated and uniform approach to the priorities of post-stroke management, which can be consistently implemented by different multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, as part of the patient ‘journey’ or ‘patient pathway,’ supported by appropriate education and tele-medicine approaches. All these aspects would ultimately aid delivery of care and improve patient (and caregiver) engagement and empowerment. Given the need to address the multidisciplinary approach to holistic or integrated care of patients with heart disease and stroke, the European Society of Cardiology Council on Stroke convened a Task Force, with the remit to propose a consensus on Integrated care management for optimizing the management of stroke and associated heart disease. The present position paper summarizes the available evidence and proposes consensus statements that may help to define evidence gaps and simple practical approaches to assist in everyday clinical practice. A post-stroke ABC pathway is proposed, as a more holistic approach to integrated stroke care, would include three pillars of management:

A: Appropriate Antithrombotic therapy.

B: Better functional and psychological status.

C: Cardiovascular risk factors and Comorbidity optimization (including lifestyle changes).

Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry Patch vs Implantable Loop Recorder in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients in the US - Cost-Minimization Model

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare costs and outcomes of mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT) patch followed by implantable loop recorder (ILR) compared to ILR alone in cryptogenic stroke patients from the US health-care payors’ perspective.

Patients and Methods

A quantitative decision tree cost-minimization simulation model was developed. Eligible patients were 18 years of age or older and were diagnosed with having a cryptogenic stroke, without previously documented atrial fibrillation (AF). All patients were assigned first to one then to the alternative monitoring strategies. Following AF detection, patients were initiated on oral anticoagulants (OAC). The model assessed direct costs for one year attributed to MCOT patch followed by ILR or ILR alone using a monitoring duration of 30 days post-cryptogenic stroke.

Results

In the base case modeling, the MCOT patch arm detected 4.6 more patients with AFs compared to the ILR alone arm in a cohort of 1000 patients (209 vs 45 patients with detected AFs, respectively). Using MCOT patch followed by ILR in half of the patients initially undiagnosed with AF leads to significant cost savings of US$4,083,214 compared to ILR alone in a cohort of 1000 patients. Cost per patient with detected AF was significantly lower in the MCOT patch arm $29,598 vs $228,507 in the ILR only arm.

Conclusion

An initial strategy of 30-day electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring with MCOT patch in diagnosis of AF in cryptogenic stroke patients realizes significant cost-savings compared to proceeding directly to ILR only. Almost 8 times lower costs were achieved with improved detection rates and reduction of secondary stroke risk due to new anticoagulant use in subjects with MCOT patch detected AF. These results strengthen emerging recommendations for prolonged ECG monitoring in secondary stroke prevention.

Prevalence of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and sinus rhythm: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Thrombi originating in the left atrial appendage (LAA) mainly form because of atrial fibrillation (AF) and are a known cause of cardioembolic stroke. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of LAA thrombus in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and sinus rhythm on 12-lead ECG.

METHODS

From June 2019 to February 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional study wherein we performed transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with AIS and sinus rhythm on 12-lead ECG who were referred for detection of LAA thrombus. After TEE, all patients underwent 24-hour ECG monitoring to screen for paroxysmal AF. Predictors of LAA thrombus were determined using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 223 patients (age: 66.2±11.3 years, men: 61.4%) were included in the study. LAA thrombus was detected in 15 patients (6.7%). Paroxysmal AF was detected in 14 of the 15 patients during 24-hour ECG monitoring. Compared with the non-thrombus group, the thrombus group had a statistically significant higher rate of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), longer LAA, lower peak LAA emptying velocity and predominantly bilateral stroke. In the adjusted model, the presence of SEC increased the probability of LAA thrombus (OR 9.04; 95% CI 2.12 to 38.54; p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AIS and sinus rhythm on 12-lead ECG, our study revealed that the prevalence of LAA thrombus was 6.7% with the most prevalent aetiology being paroxysmal AF. The presence of SEC can be a predictor of LAA thrombus in these patients.

[An implantable loop recorder after survived sudden cardiac death? : Uncommon case from daily practice]

A 58-year-old woman fainted on the ward a few days after an emergency appendectomy. Due to recurrent loss of consciousness, immediate resuscitation was started and a ventricular torsades de pointes tachycardia was documented. Further diagnostic procedures did not reveal any underlying cardiac disease or channelopathy and different potential causes were ruled out. For optimal diagnostic accuracy in a situation where a reversible/preventable cause might have been present, a loop recorder was implanted for continuous ECG monitoring of the patient.

Re-CHARGE-AF: Recalibration of the CHARGE-AF Model for Atrial Fibrillation Risk Prediction in Patients With Acute Stroke

Background

Performance of existing atrial fibrillation (AF) risk prediction models in poststroke populations is unclear. We evaluated predictive utility of an AF risk model in patients with acute stroke and assessed performance of a fully refitted model.

Methods and Results

Within an academic hospital, we included patients aged 46 to 94 years discharged for acute ischemic stroke between 2003 and 2018. We estimated 5‐year predicted probabilities of AF using the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology for Atrial Fibrillation (CHARGE‐AF) model, by recalibrating CHARGE‐AF to the baseline risk of the sample, and by fully refitting a Cox proportional hazards model to the stroke sample (Re‐CHARGE‐AF) model. We compared discrimination and calibration between models and used 200 bootstrap samples for optimism‐adjusted measures. Among 551 patients with acute stroke, there were 70 incident AF events over 5 years (cumulative incidence, 15.2%; 95% CI, 10.6%–19.5%). Median predicted 5‐year risk from CHARGE‐AF was 4.8% (quartile 1–quartile 3, 2.0–12.6) and from Re‐CHARGE‐AF was 16.1% (quartile 1–quartile 3, 8.0–26.2). For CHARGE‐AF, discrimination was moderate (C statistic, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.57–0.70) and calibration was poor, underestimating AF risk (Greenwood‐Nam D’Agostino chi‐square, P<0.001). Calibration with recalibrated baseline risk was also poor (Greenwood‐Nam D’Agostino chi‐square, P<0.001). Re‐CHARGE‐AF improved discrimination (P=0.001) compared with CHARGE‐AF (C statistic, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.68–0.79]; optimism‐adjusted, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.65–0.75]) and was well calibrated (Greenwood‐Nam D’Agostino chi‐square, P=0.97).

Conclusions

Covariates from an established AF risk model enable accurate estimation of AF risk in a poststroke population after recalibration. A fully refitted model was required to account for varying baseline AF hazard and strength of associations between covariates and incident AF.

ASCOD Phenotyping of Stroke With Anterior Large Vessel Occlusion Treated by Mechanical Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Determining the mechanism of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke is of major importance to initiate a tailored secondary prevention strategy. We investigated using the atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, cardiac source, other cause, dissection (ASCOD) classification the distribution of the causes of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke treated by mechanical thrombectomy.

METHODS

This was a predefined substudy of the FRAME (French Acute Multimodal Imaging to Select Patient for Mechanical Thrombectomy). Each patient underwent a systematic etiological workup including brain and vascular imaging, electrocardiogram monitoring lasting at least 24 hours and routine blood tests. Stroke mechanisms were systematically evaluated using the atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, cardiac source, other cause, dissection grading system at 3 months. We defined single potential cause by one cause graded 1 in a single domain, possible cause as a cause graded 1 or 2 regardless of overlap, and no identified cause without grade 1 nor 2 causes.

RESULTS

A total of 215 patients (mean age 70±14; 50% male) were included. A single potential cause was identified in 148 (69%). Cardio-embolism (53%) was the most frequent, followed by atherosclerosis (9%), dissection (5%) and other causes (1%). Atrial fibrillation accounted for 88% of C1. Overlap between grade 1 causes was uncommon (3%). Possible causes were identified in 168 patients (83%) and 16 (7%) had no cause identified after the initial evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardio-embolism, especially atrial fibrillation, was the major cause of large vessel occlusion related acute ischemic stroke. This finding emphasizes the yield of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection in those patients. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03045146.

Copeptin: a potential blood biomarker for acute ischemic stroke

Background

Copeptin is a new blood biomarker for acute ischemic stroke which emerged to assist clinicians with decision-making. Serum copeptin can accurately reflect vasopressin concentration, which plays a role in aggravation of inflammatory responses, ions and neurotransmitters dysfunctions. The objective of this work was to investigate the relation between copeptin level as a blood biomarker and the short-term prognosis of acute ischemic stroke after 3 months. The current study included 45 patients with first ever acute ischemic stroke and 45 healthy volunteers as a control. Clinical evaluation, CT and MRI of the brain, NIHSS on admission, and mRS after 3 months were done for the patients, and all the patients and control were subjected to assessment of serum level of copeptin by ELISA technique.

Results

Copeptin level was significantly higher in patients with acute ischemic stroke compared to healthy control subjects (p-value = 0.001). Also, copeptin level was significantly higher in patients with severe stroke (NIHSS > 16) than in those with mild-to-moderate stroke (NIHSS 0–15) at presentation and in patients with unfavorable outcome (mRS 3–6) when compared to patients with favorable outcome (mRS 0–2) (p-value = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively).

Copeptin level was significantly lower in patients who received thrombolytic therapy with rTPA (p-value = 0.049).

Conclusion

Copeptin has an interesting potential as a new prognostic biomarker for patients with acute ischemic stroke as its level was significantly higher in patients with severe stroke and in patients with unfavorable outcome.

Detection of subclinical atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke using implantable cardiac monitors

BACKGROUND

Implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) revealed subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) in up to 30% of cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients in randomized trials. However, real world data are limited.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated SCAF occurrence, treatments, clinical outcomes and predictors of SCAF in a multicenter real-world population subjected to ICM after CS.

METHODS

From September 2016 to November 2019, 20 Italian centers collected data of consecutive patients receiving ICM after CS and followed with remote and outpatient follow-up according to clinical practice. All device-detected AF events were confirmed by the cardiologist to diagnose SCAF.

RESULTS

ICM was implanted in 334 CS patients (mean age±SD 67.4±11.5 years, 129 (38.6%) females, 242 (76.1%) with CHA₂DS₂-VASC score≥4). During a follow-up of 23.6 (IQR 14.6-31.5) months, SCAF was diagnosed in 92 (27.5%) patients. First episode was asymptomatic in 81 (88.1%). SCAF daily burden ≥5 minutes was 22.0%, 24.1% and 31.5% at 6, 12, and 24 months after ICM implantation. Median time to first day with AF was 60 (IQR 18-140) days. Female gender, age>69 years, PR interval>160 ms and cortical-subcortical infarct type at enrolment were independently associated with an increased risk of SCAF.

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world population, ICM detected SCAF in more than a quarter of CS patients. This experience confirms the relevance of implanting CS patients, for maximizing the possibilities to detect AF, following failure of Holter monitoring, according to guidelines. However, there is need to demonstrate that shift to oral anticoagulation following SCAF detection is associated with reduced risk of recurrent stroke.

Brain to periphery in acute ischemic stroke: Mechanisms and clinical significance

The social and public health burdens of ischemic stroke have been increasing worldwide. In addition to focal brain damage, acute ischemic stroke (AIS) provokes systemic abnormalities across peripheral organs. AIS profoundly alters the autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and immune system, which further yield deleterious organ-specific consequences. Poststroke systemic pathological alterations in turn considerably contribute to the progression of ischemic brain injury, which accounts for the substantial impact of systemic complications on stroke outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive and updated pathophysiological model elucidating the systemic effects of AIS. To address their clinical significance and inform stroke management, we also outline the resulting systemic complications at particular stages of AIS and highlight the mechanisms. Future therapeutic strategies should attempt to integrate the treatment of primary brain lesions with interventions for secondary systemic complications, and should be tailored to patient individualized characteristics to optimize stroke outcomes.

Use of risk scores for predicting new atrial fibrillation after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack-A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Newly detected atrial fibrillation (NDAF) following an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack is often paroxysmal in nature. While challenging to detect, extended electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is often used to identify NDAF which has resource implications. Prognostic risk scores have been derived which may stratify the risk of NDAF and inform patient selection for ECG monitoring approaches after ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack.

AIM

The overall aim was to identify risk scores that were derived and/or validated to predict NDAF after ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack and evaluate their performance.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

A systematic literature review was undertaken in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, with application of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy-2 tool. Published studies, which derived and validated clinical risk scores in patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, or externally validated an existing score to predict NDAF after ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, were considered and independently screened by two reviewers. Twenty-one studies involving 23 separate cohorts were analyzed from which 17 integer-based risk scores were identified. The overall frequency of NDAF was 9.7% (95% confidence intervals 8%-11.5%; I²= 98%). The performance of the scores varied widely among derivation and validation cohorts (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.54-0.94); scores derived from stroke cohorts (12 scores) appeared to perform better (AUC 0.7-0.94) than those derived from non-stroke cohorts (five scores; AUC 0.53-0.79). The scores also varied considerably in their complexity, ascertainment, component variables, participant characteristics, outcome definition, and ease of application limiting their generalizability and utility.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the risk scores identified performed variably in their discriminative ability and the utility of these scores to predict NDAF in clinical practice remains uncertain. Further studies are required using larger prospective cohorts and randomized control trials to evaluate the usefulness of such scores for clinical decision making and preventative intervention.

Cardiac mechanics and incident ischemic stroke: the Cardiovascular Health Study

Recent evidence indicates that our understanding of the relationship between cardiac function and ischemic stroke remains incomplete. The Cardiovascular Health Study enrolled community-dwelling adults ≥ 65 years old. We included participants with speckle-tracking data from digitized baseline study echocardiograms. Exposures were left atrial reservoir strain (primary), left ventricular longitudinal strain, left ventricular early diastolic strain rate, septal e’ velocity, and lateral e’ velocity. The primary outcome was incident ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for demographics, image quality, and risk factors including left ventricular ejection fraction and incident atrial fibrillation. Among 4,000 participants in our analysis, lower (worse) left atrial reservoir strain was associated with incident ischemic stroke (HR per SD absolute decrease, 1.14; 95% CI 1.04–25). All secondary exposure variables were significantly associated with the outcome. Left atrial reservoir strain was associated with cardioembolic stroke (HR per SD absolute decrease, 1.42; 95% CI 1.21–1.67) and cardioembolic stroke related to incident atrial fibrillation (HR per SD absolute decrease, 1.60; 1.32–1.95). Myocardial dysfunction that can ultimately lead to stroke may be identifiable at an early stage. This highlights opportunities to identify cerebrovascular risk earlier and improve stroke prevention via therapies for early myocardial dysfunction.

Mendelian Randomization in Stroke: A Powerful Approach to Causal Inference and Drug Target Validation

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. However, our understanding of its underlying biology and the number of available treatment options remain limited. Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a powerful approach to identify novel biological pathways and therapeutic targets for this disease. Around ~100 MR studies have been conducted so far to explore, confirm, and quantify causal relationships between several exposures and risk of stroke. In this review, we summarize the current evidence arising from these studies, including those investigating ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or both. We highlight the different types of exposures that are currently under study, ranging from well-known cardiovascular risk factors to less established inflammation-related mechanisms. Finally, we provide an overview of future avenues of research and novel approaches, including drug target validation MR, which is poised to have a substantial impact on drug development and drug repurposing.

Quality indicators for the care and outcomes of adults with atrial fibrillation

AIMS

To develop quality indicators (QIs) that may be used to evaluate the quality of care and outcomes for adults with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We followed the ESC methodology for QI development. This methodology involved (i) the identification of the domains of AF care for the diagnosis and management of AF (by a group of experts including members of the ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines Task Force for AF); (ii) the construction of candidate QIs (including a systematic review of the literature); and (iii) the selection of the final set of QIs (using a modified Delphi method). Six domains of care for the diagnosis and management of AF were identified: (i) Patient assessment (baseline and follow-up), (ii) Anticoagulation therapy, (iii) Rate control strategy, (iv) Rhythm control strategy, (v) Risk factor management, and (vi) Outcomes measures, including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). In total, 17 main and 17 secondary QIs, which covered all six domains of care for the diagnosis and management of AF, were selected. The outcome domain included measures on the consequences and treatment of AF, as well as PROMs.

CONCLUSION

This document defines six domains of AF care (patient assessment, anticoagulation, rate control, rhythm control, risk factor management, and outcomes), and provides 17 main and 17 secondary QIs for the diagnosis and management of AF. It is anticipated that implementation of these QIs will improve the quality of AF care.

Optimizing prognosis in atrial fibrillation: A call to action in Portugal

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in the adult population worldwide, represents a significant burden in terms of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity and has repercussions on health economics. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is key to stroke prevention in AF and, in recent years, results from landmark clinical trials of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have triggered a paradigm shift in thrombocardiology. Despite these advances, there is still a significant residual vascular risk associated with silent AF, bleeding, premature sudden death and heart failure. The authors review AF epidemiologic data, the importance of new tools for early AF detection, the current role of catheter ablation for rhythm control in AF, the state-of-the-art in periprocedural OAC, the optimal management of major bleeding, the causes of residual premature death and future strategies for improvements in AF prognosis.

Artificial Intelligence-Enabled ECG to Identify Silent Atrial Fibrillation in Embolic Stroke of Unknown Source

OBJECTIVES

Embolic strokes of unknown source (ESUS) are common and often suspected to be caused by unrecognized paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). An AI-enabled ECG (AI-ECG) during sinus rhythm has been shown to identify patients with unrecognized AF. We pursued this study to determine if the AI-ECG model differentiates between patients with ESUS and those with known causes of stroke, and to evaluate whether the AF prediction by AI-ECG among patients with ESUS was associated with the results of prolonged ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed consecutive patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke to a comprehensive stroke center between January 2018 and August 2019 and employed the TOAST classification to categorize the mechanisms of ischemia. Use and results of ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring after discharge were gathered. We ran the AI-ECG model to obtain AF probabilities from all ECGs acquired during the hospitalization and compared those probabilities in patients with ESUS versus those with known stroke causes (apart from AF), and between patients with and without AF detected by ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring.

RESULTS

The study cohort had 930 patients, including 263 patients (28.3%) with known AF or AF diagnosed during the index hospitalization and 265 cases (28.5%) categorized as ESUS. Ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring was performed in 226 (85.3%) patients with ESUS. AF probability by AI-ECG was not associated with ESUS. However, among patients with ESUS, the probability of AF by AI-ECG was associated with a higher likelihood of AF detection by ambulatory monitoring (P = 0.004). A probability of AF by AI-ECG greater than 0.20 was associated with AF detection by ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring with an OR of 5.47 (95% CI 1.51-22.51).

CONCLUSIONS

AI-ECG may help guide the use of prolonged ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring in patients with ESUS to identify those who might benefit from anticoagulation.

Transfer learning artificial intelligence for automated detection of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing evaluation for suspected obstructive sleep apnoea: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) experience a higher burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) than the general population, and many cases of AF remain undetected. We tested the feasibility of an artificial intelligence (AI) approach to opportunistic detection of AF from single-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) which are routinely recorded during in-laboratory polysomnographic sleep studies.

METHODS

Using transfer learning, an existing ECG AI model was applied to 1839 single-lead ECG traces recorded during in-laboratory sleep studies without any training of the algorithm. Manual review of all traces was performed by two trained clinicians who were blinded to each other's review. Discrepancies between the two investigators were resolved by two cardiologists who were also unaware of each other's scoring. The diagnostic accuracy of the AI algorithm was calculated against the results of the manual ECG review which were considered gold standard.

RESULTS

Manual review identified AF in 144 of the 1839 single-lead ECGs (7.8%). The AI detected all cases of manually confirmed AF (sensitivity = 100%, 95% CI: 97.5-100.0). The AI model misclassified many ECGs with artefacts as AF, resulting in a specificity of 76.0 (95% CI: 73.9-78.0), and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 77.9% (95% CI: 75.9%-97.8%).

CONCLUSION

Transfer learning AI, without additional training, can be successfully applied to disparate ECG signals, with excellent negative predictive values, and can exclude AF among patients undergoing evaluation for suspected OSA. Further signal-specific training is likely to improve the AI's specificity and decrease the need for manual verification.

A Mendelian randomization analysis of the relationship between cardioembolic risk factors and ischemic stroke

Observational studies have shown that several risk factors are associated with cardioembolic stroke. However, whether such associations reflect causality remains unknown. We aimed to determine whether established and provisional cardioembolic risk factors are causally associated with cardioembolic stroke. Genetic instruments for atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI), electrocardiogram (ECG) indices and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) were obtained from large genetic consortiums. Summarized data of ischemic stroke and its subtypes were extracted from the MEGASTROKE consortium. Causal estimates were calculated by applying inverse-variance weighted analysis, weighted median analysis, simple median analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression. Genetically predicted AF was significantly associated with higher odds of ischemic stroke (odds ratio (OR): 1.20, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.16-1.24, P = 6.53 × 10^-30) and cardioembolic stroke (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.85-2.06, P = 8.81 × 10^-125). Suggestive associations were found between genetically determined resting heart rate and higher odds of ischemic stroke (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, P = 0.005), large-artery atherosclerotic stroke (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04, P = 0.026) and cardioembolic stroke (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04, P = 0.028). There was no causal association of P-wave terminal force in the precordial lead V1 (PTFVI), P-wave duration (PWD), NT-pro BNP or PR interval with ischemic stroke or any subtype.

Ambulatory External Electrocardiography Monitoring: Holter, Extended Holter, Mobile Cardiac Telemetry Monitoring

Ambulatory external electrocardiography (AECG) monitoring is effective as an evidence-based diagnostic tool when suspicion for cardiac arrhythmia is high. Multiple modalities of AECG monitoring exist, with unique advantages and limitations that predict effectiveness in a variety of clinical settings. Knowledge of these characteristics allows appropriate use of AECG, maximizing patient adherence, diagnostic yield, and cost-effectiveness. In addition, new technology has allowed the development of a modern generation of devices that offer increased efficacy and functionality compared with Holter monitors.

Trends in the pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation in UK general practice 2008-2018

OBJECTIVE

The pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation (AF) comprises anticoagulation, for stroke prophylaxis, and rate or rhythm control drugs to alleviate symptoms and prevent heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in the proportion of patients with AF prescribed pharmacological therapies in the UK between 2008 and 2018.

METHODS

Eleven sequential cross-sectional analyses were performed yearly from 2008 to 2018. Data were derived from an anonymised UK primary care database. Outcomes were the proportion of patients with AF prescribed anticoagulants, rhythm and rate control drugs in the whole cohort, those at high risk of stroke and those with coexisting heart failure.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2018, the proportion of patients prescribed anticoagulants increased from 45.3% (95% CI 45.0% to 45.7%) to 71.1% (95% CI 70.7% to 71.5%) driven by increased prescription of non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants. The proportion of patients prescribed rate control drugs remained constant between 2008 and 2018 (69.3% (95% CI 68.9% to 69.6%) to 71.6% (95% CI 71.2% to 71.9%)). The proportion of patients prescribed rhythm control therapy by general practitioners (GPs) decreased from 9.5% (95% CI 9.3% to 9.7%) to 5.4% (95% CI 5.2% to 5.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

There has been an increase in the proportion of patients with AF appropriately prescribed anticoagulants following National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, which correlates with improvements in mortality and stroke outcomes. Beta-blockers appear increasingly favoured over digoxin for rate control. There has been a steady decline in GP prescribing rates for rhythm control drugs, possibly related to concerns over efficacy and safety and increased availability of AF ablation.

Phenotypes of atrial fibrillation diagnosed before-versus-after ischaemic stroke and TIA: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The underlying pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) detected after stroke (AFDAS) is relatively unknown. Preliminary evidence suggests AFDAS has a lower prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and higher incidence of insular cortex involvement than AF known to exist before stroke occurrence (KAF). This favours a neurogenic AF substrate (autonomic dysregulation) in which the presence of underlying heart disease is not necessary for AF to occur. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with AFDAS, KAF and no AF (NAF). Secondary objectives are to compare the proportion with insular cortex involvement, stroke recurrence and death in the three rhythm groups.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will perform a systematic review including cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies and clinical trials involving ≥18 years patients, with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack published between inception and 31 December 2020 in any language, and reporting the proportion of patients with AFDAS, KAF and NAF. We will search PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus by applying predefined search terms. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts and retrieve full texts, extract data in a predesigned form, and assess the risk of bias. We will perform a meta-analysis of all included studies and we will report the results of the main outcome as proportions. We will report results of secondary outcomes as risk ORs. We will estimate heterogeneity across studies by using t², Q and I² measures. We will use funnel plots, Rosenthal's Fail-Safe N and Egger's regression intercept to assess publication bias.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study will be based on published data and does therefore not require ethical clearance. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020202622.

Premature atrial complexes can predict atrial fibrillation in ischemic stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several studies have explored premature atrial complexes (PACs) as high-risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) in ischemic stroke patients; however, the results were controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine whether PACs can predict AF in ischemic stroke patients.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched the published literature in PubMed, Embase, and Wiley-Cochrane library databases from inception through August 18, 2020. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed by the fixed-effect model or the random-effect model based on heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We identified 12 eligible studies including 2340 stroke patients with a mean age of 65.9 years. PACs were highly associated with AF occurrence in stroke (pooled OR: 4.16, 95% CI: 3.06-5.65) and cryptogenic stroke patients (pooled OR: 3.72, 95% CI: 2.66-5.20). Subgroup analysis showed PAC presence and frequent PACs were correlated with stroke in AF patients (pooled OR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.65-8.36 and pooled OR: 5.12, 95% CI: 3.12-8.41, respectively). Frequent PACs were identified as the risks for asymptomatic AF (OR: 6.18, 95% CI: 3.23-11.83) and future AF occurrence (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.62-5.26) in stroke patients. The definition of frequent PACs was inconsistent, and was >70 beats/24 h based on Holter monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

PACs confer high risks for asymptomatic AF and future AF occurrence in stroke patients.

Relationship between diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation prevalence in the Polish population: a report from the Non-invasive Monitoring for Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation (NOMED-AF) prospective cross-sectional observational study

Background

The global burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is constantly rising, leading to an increasing healthcare burden of stroke. AF often remains undiagnosed due to the occurrence in an asymptomatic, silent form, i.e., silent AF (SAF). The study aims to evaluate the relationships between DM and AF prevalence using a mobile long-term continuous ECG telemonitoring vest in a representative Polish and European population ≥ 65 years for detection of AF, symptomatic or silent.

Methods

A representative sample of 3014 participants from the cross-sectional NOMED-AF study was enrolled in the analyses (mean age 77.5, 49.1% female): 881 (29.2%) were diagnosed with DM. AF was screened using a telemonitoring vest for a mean of 21.9 ± 9.1days.

Results

Overall, AF was reported in 680 (22.6%) of the whole study population. AF prevalence was higher among subjects with concomitant DM (DM+) versus those without DM (DM−) [25%, 95% CI 22.5-27.8% vs 17%; 95% CI 15.4–18.5% respectively, p < 0.001]. DM patients were commonly associated with SAF [9%; 95% CI 7.9–11.4 vs 7%; 95% CI 5.6–7.5 respectively, p < 0.001], and persistent/permanent AF [12.2%; 95% CI 10.3–14.3 vs 6.9%; 95% CI 5.9–8.1 respectively, p < 0.001] compared to subjects without DM. The prolonged screening was associated with a higher percentage of newly established AF diagnosis in DM+ vs DM− patients (5% vs 4.5% respectively, p < 0.001). In addition to shared risk factors, DM+ subjects were associated with different AF and SAF independent risk factors compared to DM− individuals, including thyroid disease, peripheral/systemic thromboembolism, hypertension, physical activity and prior percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Conclusions

AF affects 1 out of 4 subjects with concomitant DM. The higher prevalence of AF and SAF among DM subjects than those without DM highlights the necessity of active AF screening specific AF risk factors assessment amongst the diabetic population.

Trial registration: NCT03243474

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01318-2.

[Cardiac diagnostics after ischemic stroke or transitory ischemic attack]

Stroke is the most common cause of permanent disability and one of the most common causes of death. Cardio-embolic strokes are associated with a poor prognosis and a high risk of recurrence compared to other stroke etiologies. The most common source of cardiac embolism is atrial fibrillation which must be quickly identified to optimize secondary stroke prevention. A structured evaluation after ischemic stroke includes taking the medical history, a physical examination, 12-lead ECG recording, rhythm monitoring for 72 h, transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography, if an atrial embolic source of stroke is suspected. Extended cardiac work-up (e. g., MRI/CT, prolonged rhythm monitoring) should be performed in selected patients based on diagnostic findings.

Predictive value of left atrial function for latent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as the cause of embolic stroke of undetermined source

BACKGROUND

In patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is often diagnosed, however, the risk of paroxysmal AF in ESUS has not been well described. Several studies have suggested a linkage between left atrial (LA) functional parameters and risk of AF in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to assess the role of LA functional parameters as predictors of latent paroxysmal AF in ESUS on admission.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and December 2019, consecutive stroke patients with suspected ESUS at admission were prospectively included in this study. They were under hospital electrocardiographic monitoring for detection of new-onset AF. Various echocardiographic parameters including left atrial strain were assessed for association with new-onset AF.

RESULTS

We gathered 1082 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke. After exclusions, 121 patients with suspected ESUS at admission formed the study cohort. New-onset AF was detected in 46 (38%) patients during hospital electrocardiographic monitoring (median follow-up: 18 days). LA pump and reservoir strains were significantly and independently associated with new-onset AF. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the association with new-onset AF showed that the areas under the curve (AUCs) of clinical parameters plus one of each strain (LA pump strain: AUC: 0.86±0.04 and LA reservoir strain: AUC: 0.76±0.05) models were significantly better than plus LA volume index (AUC: 0.68±0.04, compared p-values <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LA strain was significantly associated with new development of AF. Patients with impaired LA function at admission should be carefully monitored to find AF.

Effect of Implantable vs Prolonged External Electrocardiographic Monitoring on Atrial Fibrillation Detection in Patients With Ischemic Stroke: The PER DIEM Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

The relative rates of detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter from evaluating patients with prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring with an external loop recorder or implantable loop recorder after an ischemic stroke are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine, in patients with a recent ischemic stroke, whether 12 months of implantable loop recorder monitoring detects more occurrences of AF compared with conventional external loop recorder monitoring for 30 days.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Investigator-initiated, open-label, randomized clinical trial conducted at 2 university hospitals and 1 community hospital in Alberta, Canada, including 300 patients within 6 months of ischemic stroke and without known AF from May 2015 through November 2017; final follow-up was in December 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring with either an implantable loop recorder (n = 150) or an external loop recorder (n = 150) with follow-up visits at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the development of definite AF or highly probable AF (adjudicated new AF lasting ≥2 minutes within 12 months of randomization). There were 8 prespecified secondary outcomes including time to event analysis of new AF, recurrent ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, death, and device-related serious adverse events within 12 months.

RESULTS

Among the 300 patients who were randomized (median age, 64.1 years [interquartile range, 56.1 to 73.7 years]; 121 were women [40.3%]; and 66.3% had a stroke of undetermined etiology with a median CHA2DS2-VASc [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, sex category] score of 4 [interquartile range, 3 to 5]), 273 (91.0%) completed cardiac monitoring lasting 24 hours or longer and 259 (86.3%) completed both the assigned monitoring and 12-month follow-up visit. The primary outcome was observed in 15.3% (23/150) of patients in the implantable loop recorder group and 4.7% (7/150) of patients in the external loop recorder group (between-group difference, 10.7% [95% CI, 4.0% to 17.3%]; risk ratio, 3.29 [95% CI, 1.45 to 7.42]; P = .003). Of the 8 specified secondary outcomes, 6 were not significantly different. There were 5 patients (3.3%) in the implantable loop recorder group who had recurrent ischemic stroke vs 8 patients (5.3%) in the external loop recorder group (between-group difference, -2.0% [95% CI, -6.6% to 2.6%]), 1 (0.7%) vs 1 (0.7%), respectively, who had intracerebral hemorrhage (between-group difference, 0% [95% CI, -1.8% to 1.8%]), 3 (2.0%) vs 3 (2.0%) who died (between-group difference, 0% [95% CI, -3.2% to 3.2%]), and 1 (0.7%) vs 0 (0%) who had device-related serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with ischemic stroke and no prior evidence of AF, implantable electrocardiographic monitoring for 12 months, compared with prolonged external monitoring for 30 days, resulted in a significantly greater proportion of patients with AF detected over 12 months. Further research is needed to compare clinical outcomes associated with these monitoring strategies and relative cost-effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02428140.

Myocardial injury in acute ischemic stroke

Since antiquity, the interaction of brain and heart has inspired physicians and philosophers. Today, our knowledge has vastly improved, but the exact way of their interaction still holds many secrets to reveal. The interaction between brain and heart merits particular attention in the aftermath of a sudden injury to the brain-like acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This narrative review gives an overview of current knowledge on frequency, prognosis, and potential pathophysiological mechanisms of myocardial injury following AIS.

Effect of Long-term Continuous Cardiac Monitoring vs Usual Care on Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Stroke Attributed to Large- or Small-Vessel Disease: The STROKE-AF Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Patients with ischemic stroke attributed to large- or small-vessel disease are not considered at high risk for atrial fibrillation (AF), and the AF incidence rate in this population is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether long-term cardiac monitoring is more effective than usual care for AF detection in patients with stroke attributed to large- or small-vessel disease through 12 months of follow-up.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The STROKE-AF trial was a randomized (1:1), multicenter (33 sites in the US) clinical trial that enrolled 496 patients between April 2016 and July 2019, with primary end point follow-up through August 2020. Eligible patients were aged 60 years or older or aged 50 to 59 years with at least 1 additional stroke risk factor and had an index stroke attributed to large- or small-vessel disease within 10 days prior to insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) insertion.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients randomized to the intervention group (n = 242) received ICM insertion within 10 days of the index stroke; patients in the control group (n = 250) received site-specific usual care consisting of external cardiac monitoring, such as 12-lead electrocardiograms, Holter monitoring, telemetry, or event recorders.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Incident AF lasting more than 30 seconds through 12 months.

RESULTS

Among 492 patients who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 67.1 [9.4] years; 185 [37.6%] women), 417 (84.8%) completed 12 months of follow-up. The median (interquartile range) CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, sex category) score was 5 (4-6). AF detection at 12 months was significantly higher in the ICM group vs the control group (27 patients [12.1%] vs 4 patients [1.8%]; hazard ratio, 7.4 [95% CI, 2.6-21.3]; P < .001). Among the 221 patients in the ICM group who received an ICM, 4 (1.8%) had ICM procedure-related adverse events (1 site infection, 2 incision site hemorrhages, and 1 implant site pain).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with stroke attributed to large- or small-vessel disease, monitoring with an ICM compared with usual care detected significantly more AF over 12 months. However, further research is needed to understand whether identifying AF in these patients is of clinical importance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02700945.

Combined Omic Analyzes of Cerebral Thrombi: A New Molecular Approach to Identify Cardioembolic Stroke Origin

[Figure: see text].

Quality Improvement in Atrial Fibrillation detection after ischaemic stroke (QUIT-AF)

BACKGROUND

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a frequent cause of recurrent stroke but can be difficult to detect because of its episodic and often asymptomatic nature. We sought to improve rate of PAF detection through a quality improvement project (QIP) to deliver early prolonged inpatient cardiac monitoring on the stroke unit (SU).

METHODS

A structured protocol for cardiac monitoring using 5-day event recorders was established. 'In-house' cardiac monitoring was implemented. Performance data on this change in service was analysed prospectively and summary statistics obtained.

RESULTS

One-hundred and two ischaemic stroke (IS) patients undertook 5-day event recorder monitoring. Provision of monitors as an inpatient (IP) increased from 20% (pre-QIP pilot 2018) to 65.7% (during QIP). New AF was detected in 15 patients (14.7% vs 8.6% pre-QIP pilot 2018) with majority of new AF (13 patients; 19%) detected when monitors applied early (IP) after IS.

CONCLUSION

Although this study had a number of limitations, it did demonstrate that early and prolonged non-invasive IP cardiac monitoring could be delivered 'in-house' on the SU and improve AF detection rates.

The Role of Rivaroxaban in a Comprehensive Protection Strategy for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Anticoagulant therapy of patients with atrial fibrillation is an integral part of their treatment strategy. The high risk of developing a cardioembolic stroke and the high comorbidity of this group of patients necessitates a comprehensive approach to treatment, taking into account all available risk factors. Atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic and timely detection of these patients can be one of the most important tasks in the complex of measures aimed at protecting patients from stroke. The European Society of Cardiology's 2020 guidelines suggest the use of a CC to ABC patient management strategy. This strategy involves a number of measures aimed at managing atrial fibrillation, including confirming the diagnosis, determining the characteristics of atrial fibrillation and treatment tactics. One of the points of this strategy is the control of comorbidities and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. To date, rivaroxaban has a number of convincing and reliable data on a high profile of efficacy and safety in the treatment of comorbid patients who not only have a high risk of stroke, but also need protection from coronary events and decreased renal filtration function. These data are confirmed by both the results of randomized clinical trials and data from real clinical practice. The review discusses the literature data describing the condition of patients with atrial fibrillation while taking direct oral anticoagulants, according to the search query “Atrial fibrillation, effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban, warfarin, comorbidity, atrial fibrillation, efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban, warfarin, comorbid status” for the period from 2010 to 2020 in open sources PubMed and e-library, and a strategy for the comprehensive protection of patients with atrial fibrillation when using rivaroxaban is proposed for consideration.

Current characteristics and early functional outcome of older stroke patients: a population-based study (Dijon Stroke Registry)

BACKGROUND

the ongoing growing and ageing population is associated with an increase in older patients suffering a stroke. We aimed to assess the current profile of these patients in a population-based setting.

METHODS

all patients with acute stroke were prospectively identified among residents of Dijon, France, between 2013 and 2017, using a population-based registry. Characteristics and early outcome of patients were compared according to age groups.

RESULTS

1,288 stroke cases were recorded (median age: 81.1 years, interquartile range: 66.1-86.7, 54% women). Patients aged 75-85 years and those >85 years accounted for 27.6 and 33.9% of overall cases. Increasing age was associated with a greater prevalence of vascular risk factors, pre-existing cognitive impairment and handicap, higher initial severity, more frequent cardioembolic ischemic stroke, post-stroke pulmonary infection and delirium. Only 41% of patients aged 75-85 years and 18% of those aged >85 years had a good early recovery. Compared with patients aged <75 years, patients aged 75-85 years [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74-3.93, P < 0.001] and those aged >85 years (adjusted OR = 7.18; 95% CI: 4.58-11.3, P < 0.001) had an increased risk of poor post-stroke functional outcome. Among survivors, the proportion of patients discharged to home was 60% in age group <75 years, compared with 49% in patients aged 75-85 years and 29% in those aged >85 years. Thirty per cent of patients >85 years old required a long-term care institution.

CONCLUSION

the increasing burden of stroke in older people has major implications for future treatment strategies and need for dedicated care facilities.

Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in the Older Population: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of preventable strokes. Screening asymptomatic individuals for AF may increase anticoagulant use for stroke prevention.

Objective

To evaluate 2 home-based AF screening interventions.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter randomized clinical trial recruited individuals from primary care practices aged 75 years or older with hypertension and without known AF. From April 5, 2015, to March 26, 2019, 856 participants were enrolled from 48 practices.

Interventions

The control group received standard care (routine clinical follow-up plus a pulse check and heart auscultation at baseline and 6 months). The screening group received a 2-week continuous electrocardiographic (cECG) patch monitor to wear at baseline and at 3 months, in addition to standard care. The screening group also received automated home blood pressure (BP) machines with oscillometric AF screening capability to use twice-daily during the cECG monitoring periods.

Main Outcomes and Measures

With intention-to-screen analysis, the primary outcome was AF detected by cECG monitoring or clinically within 6 months. Secondary outcomes included anticoagulant use, device adherence, and AF detection by BP monitors.

Results

Of the 856 participants, 487 were women (56.9%); mean (SD) age was 80.0 (4.0) years. Median cECG wear time was 27.4 of 28 days (interquartile range [IQR], 18.4-28.0 days). In the primary analysis, AF was detected in 23 of 434 participants (5.3%) in the screening group vs 2 of 422 (0.5%) in the control group (relative risk, 11.2; 95% CI, 2.7-47.1; P = .001; absolute difference, 4.8%; 95% CI, 2.6%-7.0%; P < .001; number needed to screen, 21). Of those with cECG-detected AF, median total time spent in AF was 6.3 hours (IQR, 4.2-14.0 hours; range 1.3 hours-28 days), and median duration of the longest AF episode was 5.7 hours (IQR, 2.9-12.9 hours). Anticoagulation was initiated in 15 of 20 patients (75.0%) with cECG-detected AF. By 6 months, anticoagulant therapy had been prescribed for 18 of 434 participants (4.1%) in the screening group vs 4 of 422 (0.9%) in the control group (relative risk, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.5-12.8; P = .007; absolute difference, 3.2%; 95% CI, 1.1%-5.3%; P = .003). Twice-daily AF screening using the home BP monitor had a sensitivity of 35.0% (95% CI, 15.4%-59.2%), specificity of 81.0% (95% CI, 76.7%-84.8%), positive predictive value of 8.9% (95% CI, 4.9%-15.5%), and negative predictive value of 95.9% (95% CI, 94.5%-97.0%). Adverse skin reactions requiring premature discontinuation of cECG monitoring occurred in 5 of 434 participants (1.2%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, among older community-dwelling individuals with hypertension, AF screening with a wearable cECG monitor was well tolerated, increased AF detection 10-fold, and prompted initiation of anticoagulant therapy in most cases. Compared with continuous ECG, intermittent oscillometric screening with a BP monitor was an inferior strategy for detecting paroxysmal AF. Large trials with hard clinical outcomes are now needed to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of AF screening.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02392754.

Atrial Fibrillation After Ischemic Stroke Detected by Chest Strap-Style 7-Day Holter Monitoring and the Risk Predictors: EDUCATE-ESUS

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic yield of 7-day Holter monitoring for detecting covert atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with recent embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and to identify the pre-entry screening biomarkers that had significant associations with later detection of AF (clinicaltrials.gov. NCT02801708).

METHODS

A total of 206 patients who have recent ESUS without previously documented AF underwent Holter electrocardiography using a chest strap-style monitor. External validation of biomarkers predictive of AF was performed using 83 patients with ESUS who were implanted with insertable cardiac monitors.

RESULTS

The 7-day Holter monitoring started at a median of 13 days after the onset of stroke. AF was detected in 14 patients, and three of these showed a single AF episode lasting ＜2 min. The median time delay to the first documented AF was 50 h. Each of serum brain natriuretic peptide ≥ 66.0 pg/mL (adjusted odds ratio 5.23), atrial premature contractions (APCs) ≥ 345 beats (3.80), and APC short runs ≥ 13 (5.74) on 24-h Holter prior to the 7-day Holter showed a significant association with detection of AF, independent of age and physiological findings in this derivation cohort, and all of these showed a significant association in the validation cohort (adjusted odds ratio 6.59, 7.87, and 6.16, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In recent ESUS patients, the detection rate of AF using the 7-day Holter monitoring was 6.8% (95% CI 4.1%-11.1%). Brain natriuretic peptide, APC count, and APC short runs in the standard clinical workup seemed to be predictors of covert AF.

Blood-brain barrier disruption in atrial fibrillation: a potential contributor to the increased risk of dementia and worsening of stroke outcomes?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has become one of the most significant health problems worldwide, warranting urgent answers to currently pending questions on the effects of AF on brain function. Recent evidence has emerged to show an association between AF and an increased risk of developing dementia and worsening of stroke outcomes. A healthy brain is protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is formed by the endothelial cells that line cerebral capillaries. These endothelial cells are continuously exposed to shear stress (the frictional force generated by blood flow), which affects endothelial cell structure and function. Flow disturbances as experienced during AF can disrupt the BBB and leave the brain vulnerable to damage. Investigating the plausible mechanisms in detail, linking AF to cerebrovascular damage is difficult in humans, leading to paucity of available clinical data. Here, we discuss the available evidence for BBB disruption during AF due to altered cerebral blood flow, and how this may contribute to an increased risk of dementia and worsening of stroke outcomes.

Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation: Characteristics and Time Trends 2006 to 2017 in the Dijon Stroke Registry

[Figure: see text].

Rhythm monitoring strategies for atrial fibrillation detection in patients with cryptogenic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To summarize data on atrial fibrillation (AF) detection rates and predictors across different rhythm monitoring strategies in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS) or embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify all published studies providing relevant data through July 6, 2020. Random-effects meta-analysis method was used to pool estimates.

Results

We included 47 studies reporting on a pooled population of 8,215 patients with CS or ESUS. Using implantable cardiac monitor (ICM), the pooled rate of AF was 12.2% (95% CI 9.4–15.0) at 3 months, 16.0% (95% CI 13.2–18.8) at 6 months, 18.7% (95% CI 15.7–21.7) at 12 months, 22.8% (95% CI 19.1–26.5) at 24 months, and 28.5% (95% CI 17.6–39.3) at 36 months. AF rates were significantly higher in patients with ESUS vs CS (22.0% vs 14.2%; p < 0.001) at 6 months, and in studies using Reveal LINQ vs Reveal XT ICM (19.1% vs 13.0%; p = 0.001) at 12 months. Using mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT), the pooled rate of AF was 13.7% (95% CI 10.2–17.2) at 1 month. Predictors of AF detection with ICM included older age, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, left atrial enlargement, P wave maximal duration and prolonged PR interval.

Conclusion

The yield of ICM increases with the duration of monitoring. More than a quarter of patients with CS or ESUS will be diagnosed with AF during follow-up. About one in seven patients had AF detected within a month of MCOT, suggesting that a non-invasive rhythm monitoring strategy should be considered before invasive monitoring.

Association of Global Cardiac Calcification with Atrial Fibrillation and Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

BACKGROUND

Calcium deposits in the heart have been associated with cardiovascular events, mortality, stroke, and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is no accepted standard method for scoring cardiac calcifications. Existing methods have also not been validated for the assessment of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of various cardiac calcification scores with new-onset AF and stroke recurrence in a cohort of patients with ESUS.

METHODS

In this study, 181 consecutive patients with stroke diagnosed with ESUS were identified and evaluated. They were followed for new-onset AF and ischemic stroke recurrence for a median duration of 2.1 years. Various echocardiographic cardiac calcification scores were assessed on transthoracic echocardiography performed during the evaluation of ESUS and subsequently assessed for their relation to AF detection and recurrent stroke. The echocardiographic calcium scores assessed were the (1) global cardiac calcium score (GCCS), (2) echocardiographic calcium score (eCS), (3) echocardiographic calcification score, (4) echocardiographic composite cardiac calcium score, and (5) total heart calcification score. Only two of these scoring schemes, GCCS and eCS, quantified the cardiac calcium burden.

RESULTS

Higher calcium scores as measured by GCCS and eCS were found to be significantly associated with subsequent AF detection as well as recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with ESUS. The association with recurrent stroke remained significant even after adjustment for comorbidities and AF.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher cardiac calcification measured using the GCCS and eCS is independently associated with AF detection and recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with ESUS, and these scores can be useful markers for further risk stratification in patients with ESUS.

2021 ISHNE/HRS/EHRA/APHRS collaborative statement on mHealth in Arrhythmia Management: Digital Medical Tools for Heart Rhythm Professionals: From the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology/Heart Rhythm Society/European Heart Rhythm Association/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society

This collaborative statement from the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology/Heart Rhythm Society/European Heart Rhythm Association/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society describes the current status of mobile health ("mHealth") technologies in arrhythmia management. The range of digital medical tools and heart rhythm disorders that they may be applied to and clinical decisions that may be enabled are discussed. The facilitation of comorbidity and lifestyle management (increasingly recognized to play a role in heart rhythm disorders) and patient self-management are novel aspects of mHealth. The promises of predictive analytics but also operational challenges in embedding mHealth into routine clinical care are explored.

Emergency percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation: Patients' lived experiences

INTRODUCTION

Given that emergency procedures must be performed immediately and without the possibility of sufficiently informing and preparing a patient, the lived experiences of patients who undergo emergency procedures and those who undergo elective procedures may well differ. Elucidating the lived experiences of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation in an emergency situation is crucial because such knowledge might prove helpful in tailoring post-procedure interventions intended to improve the lives of PCI patients.

AIM

To describe the experiences of patients 1 month after they underwent emergency PCI with coronary stent implantation.

METHODS

Cohen's phenomenology was applied in this study. This method combines the characteristics of descriptive (Husserlian) phenomenology with those of interpretative (Gadmerian) phenomenology, and it is by nature an inductive approach. The participants were enrolled 1 month after undergoing PCI with coronary stent implantation. They were interviewed using open-ended questions to provide them full freedom of expression. They were asked to describe their experiences of the PCI and stent implementation they have gone through. This study followed the recommendations of the Standard for Reporting Qualitative Research.

RESULTS

Our sample consisted of 15 participants. Data analysis revealed three main themes: (1) catheter lab and pain, (2) anxiety and feeling uncertain about the future, and (3) lifestyle changes. The anxiety theme encompassed two subthemes: (a) anxiety related to the procedure and (b) anxiety related to the continuation of life.

CONCLUSION

Our study is one of the first works to explicitly investigate the lived experiences of patients who underwent emergency PCI. Understanding the experiences of these patients is key in understanding their realistic needs and concerns.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Knowledge of the lived experiences of patients who underwent emergency PCI with coronary stent implantation is fundamental in identifying aspects that warrant tailored interventions.

Care of the Patient With Acute Ischemic Stroke (Posthyperacute and Prehospital Discharge): Update to 2009 Comprehensive Nursing Care Scientific Statement: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

In 2009, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association published a comprehensive scientific statement detailing the nursing care of the patient with an acute ischemic stroke through all phases of hospitalization. The purpose of this statement is to provide an update to the 2009 document by summarizing and incorporating current best practice evidence relevant to the provision of nursing and interprofessional care to patients with ischemic stroke and their families during the acute (posthyperacute phase) inpatient admission phase of recovery. Many of the nursing care elements are informed by nurse-led research to embed best practices in the provision and standard of care for patients with stroke. The writing group comprised members of the Stroke Nursing Committee of the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing and the Stroke Council. A literature review was undertaken to examine the best practices in the care of the patient with acute ischemic stroke. The drafts were circulated and reviewed by all committee members. This statement provides a summary of best practices based on available evidence to guide nurses caring for adult patients with acute ischemic stroke in the hospital posthyperacute/intensive care unit. In many instances, however, knowledge gaps exist, demonstrating the need for continued nurse-led research on care of the patient with acute ischemic stroke.

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction after stroke

Strokes are the paradigmatic example of the sudden impairment of the cerebral regulation of cardiac autonomic regulation. Although several aspects of dysautonomic cardiovascular regulation post stroke remain unanswered, there has been a wealth of research in this area in the last decade. In this article, we present a state-of-the-art review on the anatomical and functional organization of cardiovascular autonomic regulation, and the pathophysiology, incidence, time course, diagnosis, clinical aspects, prognosis, and management of post-stroke cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.