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Chousou PA, Chattopadhyay R, Ring L, Khadjooi K, Warburton EA, Mukherjee T, Bhalraam U, Tsampasian V, Potter J, Perperoglou A, Pugh PJ, Vassiliou VS. Atrial fibrillation in embolic stroke of undetermined source: role of advanced imaging of left atrial function. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2023; 30:1965-1974. [PMID: 37431922 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected in over 30% of patients following an embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) when monitored with an implantable loop recorder (ILR). Identifying AF in ESUS survivors has significant therapeutic implications, and AF risk is essential to guide screening with long-term monitoring. The present study aimed to establish the role of left atrial (LA) function in subsequent AF identification and develop a risk model for AF in ESUS. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a single-centre retrospective case-control study including all patients with ESUS referred to our institution for ILR implantation from December 2009 to September 2019. We recorded clinical variables at baseline and analysed transthoracic echocardiograms in sinus rhythm. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to inform variables associated with AF. Lasso regression analysis was used to develop a risk prediction model for AF. The risk model was internally validated using bootstrapping. Three hundred and twenty-three patients with ESUS underwent ILR implantation. In the ESUS population, 293 had a stroke, whereas 30 had suffered a transient ischaemic attack as adjudicated by a senior stroke physician. Atrial fibrillation of any duration was detected in 47.1%. The mean follow-up was 710 days. Following lasso regression with backwards elimination, we combined increasing lateral PA (the time interval from the beginning of the P wave on the surface electrocardiogram to the beginning of the A' wave on pulsed wave tissue Doppler of the lateral mitral annulus) [odds ratio (OR) 1.011], increasing Age (OR 1.035), higher Diastolic blood pressure (OR 1.027), and abnormal LA reservoir Strain (OR 0.973) into a new PADS score. The probability of identifying AF can be estimated using the formula. Model discrimination was good [area under the curve (AUC) 0.72]. The PADS score was internally validated using bootstrapping with 1000 samples of 150 patients showing consistent results with an AUC of 0.73. CONCLUSION The novel PADS score can identify the risk of AF on prolonged monitoring with ILR following ESUS and should be considered a dedicated risk stratification tool for decision-making regarding the screening strategy for AF in stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Anna Chousou
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Rahul Chattopadhyay
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Liam Ring
- West Suffolk Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Hardwick Lane, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 2QZ, UK
| | - Kayvan Khadjooi
- Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Warburton
- Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK
| | - Trisha Mukherjee
- Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - U Bhalraam
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK
| | | | - John Potter
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK
| | - Aris Perperoglou
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Astrophysics, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
| | - Peter John Pugh
- Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Vassilios S Vassiliou
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK
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Rafiq Y, Imran L, Ansari Z. Comment on: "A comparison of Atrial Fibrillation Detection Strategies After Ischemic Stroke-A Retrospective Study". Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101978. [PMID: 37481216 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Youmna Rafiq
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Laiba Imran
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Zobia Ansari
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
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Dulai R, Hunt J, Veasey RA, Biyanwila C, O'Neill B, Patel N. Immediate implantable loop recorder implantation for detecting atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:106988. [PMID: 36645969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.106988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is suspected as the main cause of stroke in the majority of patients presenting with cryptogenic stroke (CS). Implantable loop recorders (ILR's) are indicated for detecting AF in these patients. The short term (<1 month) and long-term AF detection rates in patients inserted with an ILR immediately after CS is reported. Secondly, we compare the safety of nurse led vs physician led ILR implantation in these patients. METHODS This is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent inpatient ILR implantation (Medtronic Linq) between May 2020 and May 2022 at East Sussex Healthcare NHS trust. All patients were remotely monitored via the FOCUSONTM monitoring and triage service. RESULTS A total of 186 subjects were included in the study and were followed up for a mean period of 363.0 +/- 222.6 days. The mean time between stroke and ILR was 7.0 +/- 5.5 days. The mean time between referral and ILR was 1.0 +/- 2.0 days. AF was detected in 25 (13.4%) patients. During the first 30 days of monitoring, AF was detected in 9 (4.8%) patients. The number of ILR implants performed by the specialist nurse was 107 (57.5%). There was no significant difference in the major complication rate (requiring device removal) between nurse and physician led implant (1 (0.95%) vs 0 (0%), p value = 0.389). CONCLUSION Inpatient ILR for cryptogenic stroke is feasible. The rate of AF detection in the first month post CS is 4.8% however, more AF was detected up to one year post implant, suggesting rationale for proceeding directly to ILR implant in these patients before discharge to not delay treatment. A nurse led service is also viable with no significant difference in the major complication rate compared to physician led implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajdip Dulai
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK.
| | - Jacqui Hunt
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
| | - Rick A Veasey
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
| | - Chemindra Biyanwila
- Department of Stroke Medicine, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
| | - Barbora O'Neill
- Department of Stroke Medicine, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
| | - Nikhil Patel
- Cardiology Research Department, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
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Rubiera M, Aires A, Antonenko K, Lémeret S, Nolte CH, Putaala J, Schnabel RB, Tuladhar AM, Werring DJ, Zeraatkar D, Paciaroni M. European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline on screening for subclinical atrial fibrillation after stroke or transient ischaemic attack of undetermined origin. Eur Stroke J 2022; 7:VI. [PMID: 36082257 PMCID: PMC9446336 DOI: 10.1177/23969873221099478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to provide practical recommendations for the screening of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) of undetermined origin. These guidelines are based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Five relevant Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions were defined by a multidisciplinary module working group (MWG). Longer duration of cardiac rhythm monitoring increases the detection of subclinical AF, but the optimal monitoring length is yet to be defined. We advise longer monitoring to increase the rate of anticoagulation, but whether longer monitoring improves clinical outcomes needs to be addressed. AF detection does not differ from in- or out-patient ECG-monitoring with similar monitoring duration, so we consider it reasonable to initiate in-hospital monitoring as soon as possible and continue with outpatient monitoring for more than 48h. Although insertable loop recorders (ILR) increase AF detection based on their longer monitoring duration, comparison with non-implantable ECG devices for similar monitoring time is lacking. We suggest the use of implantable devices, if feasible, for AF detection instead of non- implantable devices to increase the detection of subclinical AF. There is weak evidence of a useful role for blood, ECG, and brain imaging biomarkers for the identification of patients at high risk of AF. In patients with patent foramen ovale, we found insufficient evidence from RCT, but prolonged cardiac monitoring in patients >55 years is advisable for subclinical AF detection. To conclude, in adult patients with ischaemic stroke or TIA of undetermined origin, we recommend longer duration of cardiac rhythm monitoring of more than 48h and if feasible with IRL to increase the detection of subclinical AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rubiera
- Stroke Unit, Neurology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Aires
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Kateryna Antonenko
- Department of Neurology, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Christian H. Nolte
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie and Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jukka Putaala
- Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Renate B. Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Germany
| | - Anil M Tuladhar
- Department of Neurology, Donders Center for Medical Neurosciences, Radboud
University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - David J. Werring
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dena Zeraatkar
- Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maurizio Paciaroni
- Stroke Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Bhat A, Mahajan V, Chen HHL, Gan GCH, Pontes-Neto OM, Tan TC. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: Approaches in Risk Stratification for Cardioembolism. Stroke 2021; 52:e820-e836. [PMID: 34706562 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.034498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Embolic stroke of undetermined source has been recently proposed to categorize nonlacunar ischemic strokes without confirmed etiology after adequate investigation with a likely embolic stroke mechanism. A strategy of empirical anticoagulation for embolic stroke of undetermined source patients is attractive but may only be beneficial in a select subset of patients. Strategies which would help identify the subset of embolic stroke of undetermined source patients most likely to have cardioembolic origin of stroke, and hence benefit from anticoagulation, are needed. This article will review current evidence which may be useful in the development of a risk stratification approach based on arrhythmia monitoring, cardiac imaging, and clinical risk stratification. This approach may be beneficial in clinical practice in improving patient outcomes and reducing stroke recurrence in this population; however, further work is required with active trials underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Bhat
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, Australia (A.B., V.M., H.H.L.C., G.C.H.G., T.C.T.).,School of Public Health and Community Medicine (A.B., T.C.T.), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia (A.B., G.C.H.G., T.C.T.)
| | - Vipul Mahajan
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, Australia (A.B., V.M., H.H.L.C., G.C.H.G., T.C.T.)
| | - Henry H L Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, Australia (A.B., V.M., H.H.L.C., G.C.H.G., T.C.T.)
| | - Gary C H Gan
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, Australia (A.B., V.M., H.H.L.C., G.C.H.G., T.C.T.).,School of Medicine (G.C.H.G.), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia (A.B., G.C.H.G., T.C.T.)
| | - Octavio M Pontes-Neto
- Stroke Service, Neurology Division, Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil (O.M.P.-N.)
| | - Timothy C Tan
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, Australia (A.B., V.M., H.H.L.C., G.C.H.G., T.C.T.).,School of Public Health and Community Medicine (A.B., T.C.T.), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia (A.B., G.C.H.G., T.C.T.)
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6
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Noubiap JJ, Agbaedeng TA, Kamtchum-Tatuene J, Fitzgerald JL, Middeldorp ME, Kleinig T, Sanders P. Rhythm monitoring strategies for atrial fibrillation detection in patients with cryptogenic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2021; 34:100780. [PMID: 33948484 PMCID: PMC8080458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas A Agbaedeng
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Joseph Kamtchum-Tatuene
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - John L Fitzgerald
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melissa E Middeldorp
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Timothy Kleinig
- Department of Neurology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
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7
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Lu Y, Diao SS, Huang SJ, Zhao JJ, Ye MF, Yao FR, Kong Y, Xu Z. Insertable cardiac monitors for detection of atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke: a meta-analysis. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:4139-4148. [PMID: 33528671 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05104-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) have enhanced the recognition ability of atrial fibrillation (AF), which makes ICM have a new application in AF detection. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the total incidence of newly found AF detected by ICM after cryptogenic stroke and to evaluate the factors related to the detection of AF. METHODS A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases until March 1, 2020. Studies that reported the detection rate of AF using ICM in cryptogenic stroke patients with negative initial AF screening were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 23 studies were included. The overall proportion of AF detected by ICM in cryptogenic stroke patients was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22-29%). The rate of AF detected by ICM was independently related to both cardiac monitoring time (coefficient = 0.0003; 95% CI, 0.0001-0.0005; P = 0.0001) and CHA2DS2-VASc score (coefficient = 0.0834; 95% CI, 0.0339-0.1329; P = 0.001). In subgroup analysis, we found a significant difference in the detection rate of AF for monitoring duration (< 6 months: 9.6% [95% CI, 4.4-16.4%]; ≥ 6 and ≤ 12 months: 19.3% [95% CI, 15.9-23.0%]; > 12 and ≤ 24 months: 23.6% [95% CI, 19.9-27.5%]; > 24 months and ≤ 36 months: 36.5% [95% CI, 24.2-49.9%]; P < 0.001), and continent (Europe: 26.5% [95% CI, 22.2-31.0%]; North America: 16.0% [95% CI, 10.3-22.6%]; Asia: 17.4% [95% CI, 12.4-23.0%]; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS The longer the time of ICM monitoring after cryptogenic stroke, the higher the detection rate of AF. Further research is still needed to determine the optimal duration of long-term cardiac monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shan-Shan Diao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuang-Jiao Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie-Ji Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng-Fan Ye
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei-Rong Yao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Kong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhuan Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Edwards SJ, Wakefield V, Jhita T, Kew K, Cain P, Marceniuk G. Implantable cardiac monitors to detect atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-184. [PMID: 31944175 PMCID: PMC6983910 DOI: 10.3310/hta24050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptogenic stroke is a stroke for which no cause is identified after standard diagnostic tests. Long-term implantable cardiac monitors may be better at diagnosing atrial fibrillation and provide an opportunity to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence with anticoagulants. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to assess the diagnostic test accuracy, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of three implantable monitors [BioMonitor 2-AF™ (Biotronik SE & Co. KG, Berlin, Germany), Confirm Rx™ (Abbott Laboratories, Lake Bluff, IL, USA) and Reveal LINQ™ (Medtronic plc, Minneapolis, MN, USA)] in patients who have had a cryptogenic stroke and for whom no atrial fibrillation is detected after 24 hours of external electrocardiographic monitoring. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment databases were searched from inception until September 2018. REVIEW METHODS A systematic review was undertaken. Two reviewers agreed on studies for inclusion and performed quality assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Results were discussed narratively because there were insufficient data for synthesis. A two-stage de novo economic model was developed: (1) a short-term patient flow model to identify cryptogenic stroke patients who have had atrial fibrillation detected and been prescribed anticoagulation treatment (rather than remaining on antiplatelet treatment) and (2) a long-term Markov model that captured the lifetime costs and benefits of patients on either anticoagulation or antiplatelet treatment. RESULTS One randomised controlled trial, Cryptogenic Stroke and underlying Atrial Fibrillation (CRYSTAL-AF) (Sanna T, Diener HC, Passman RS, Di Lazzaro V, Bernstein RA, Morillo CA, et al. Cryptogenic stroke and underlying atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 2014;370:2478-86), was identified, and no diagnostic test accuracy study was identified. The CRYSTAL-AF trial compared the Reveal™ XT (a Reveal LINQ predecessor) (Medtronic plc) monitor with standard of care monitoring. Twenty-six single-arm observational studies for the Reveal devices were also identified. The only data for BioMonitor 2-AF or Confirm Rx were from mixed population studies supplied by the companies. Atrial fibrillation detection in the CRYSTAL-AF trial was higher with the Reveal XT than with standard monitoring at all time points. By 36 months, atrial fibrillation was detected in 19% of patients with an implantable cardiac monitor and in 2.3% of patients receiving conventional follow-up. The 26 observational studies demonstrated that, even in a cryptogenic stroke population, atrial fibrillation detection rates are highly variable and most cases are asymptomatic; therefore, they probably would not have been picked up without an implantable cardiac monitor. Device-related adverse events, such as pain and infection, were low in all studies. The de novo economic model produced incremental cost effectiveness ratios comparing implantable cardiac monitors with standard of care monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke patients based on data for the Reveal XT device, which can be related to Reveal LINQ. The BioMonitor 2-AF and Confirm RX were included in the analysis by making a strong assumption of equivalence with Reveal LINQ. The results indicate that implantable cardiac monitors could be considered cost-effective at a £20,000-30,000 threshold. When each device is compared incrementally, BioMonitor 2-AF dominates Reveal LINQ and Confirm RX. LIMITATIONS The cost-effectiveness analysis for implantable cardiac monitors is based on a strong assumption of clinical equivalence and should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS All three implantable cardiac monitors could be considered cost-effective at a £20,000-30,000 threshold, compared with standard of care monitoring, for cryptogenic stroke patients with no atrial fibrillation detected after 24 hours of external electrocardiographic monitoring; however, further clinical studies are required to confirm their efficacy in cryptogenic stroke patients. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018109216. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 5. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Edwards
- British Medical Journal (BMJ) Technology Assessment Group, London, UK
| | | | - Tracey Jhita
- British Medical Journal (BMJ) Technology Assessment Group, London, UK
| | - Kayleigh Kew
- British Medical Journal (BMJ) Technology Assessment Group, London, UK
| | - Peter Cain
- British Medical Journal (BMJ) Technology Assessment Group, London, UK
| | - Gemma Marceniuk
- British Medical Journal (BMJ) Technology Assessment Group, London, UK
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9
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Detection of atrial fibrillation using an implantable loop recorder following cryptogenic stroke: implications for post-stroke electrocardiographic monitoring. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2019; 57:141-147. [PMID: 31612300 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-019-00628-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 10-40% of strokes are cryptogenic (CS). Long-term electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring has been recommended in these patients to search for atrial fibrillation (AF). An unresolved issue is whether ambulatory ECG (AECG) monitoring should be performed first, followed by an implantable loop recorder (ILR) if AECG monitoring is non-diagnostic, or whether long-term ECG monitoring should be initiated using ILRs from the onset. The purpose of this study was to assess, using an ILR, AF incidence in the first month after CS. METHODS We enrolled consecutive CS patients referred for an ILR. All patients were monitored via in-hospital continuous telemetry from admission until the ILR (Medtronic [Minneapolis, MN] LINQ™) was implanted. The duration and overall burden of all AF episodes ≥ 2 min was determined. RESULTS The cohort included 343 patients (68 ± 11 years, CHA2DS2-VASc 3.5 ± 1.7). The time between stroke and ILR was 3.7 ± 1.5 days. During the first 30 days, only 18 (5%) patients had AF. All episodes were paroxysmal, lasting from 2 min to 67 h and 24 min. The median AF burden was 0.85% (IQR 0.52, 10.75). During 1 year of follow-up, 67 (21%) patients had AF. CONCLUSION The likelihood of AF detection by an ILR in the first month post-CS is low. Thus, the diagnostic yield of 30 days of AECG monitoring is likely to be limited. These data suggest a rationale for proceeding directly to ILR implantation prior to hospital discharge in CS patients, as many have AF detected during longer follow-up.
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