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Kareem M, Lei N, Ali A, Ciaccio EJ, Acharya UR, Faust O. A review of patient-led data acquisition for atrial fibrillation detection to prevent stroke. Biomed Signal Process Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2021.102818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Rajanna RREDDY, Natarajan S, Prakash V, Vittala PR, Arun U, Sahoo S. External Cardiac Loop Recorders: Functionalities, Diagnostic Efficacy, Challenges and Opportunities. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2021; 15:273-292. [DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2021.3055219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Sejr MH, May O, Damgaard D, Sandal BF, Nielsen JC. External continuous ECG versus loop recording for atrial fibrillation detection in patients who had a stroke. Heart 2019; 105:848-854. [PMID: 30898849 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2018-314186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who had ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (IS/TIA) is recommended. We aimed to compare external loop recording (ELR) against simultaneous continuous ECG recording for AF detection in patients who had acute IS/TIA and determine sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of AF detection using ELR. We hypothesised ELR to detect 15% fewer patients with AF than continuous ECG recording. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, we included 1412 patients who had acute IS/TIA without prior AF. Monitoring was 48 hours. Primary outcome was AF >30 s. Cardiologist verified AF in continuous ECG was gold standard. RESULTS In continuous ECG, 38 (2.7%) patients had AF. ELR automatically categorised 219/1412 patients (15.5%) with AF, including 32/38 (85%) patients with AF in continuous ECG. After cardiologist adjudication of ELR recordings, AF was diagnosed in 57/219 patients, of which 32 (56%) had AF in continuous ECG. For adjudicated AF detection by ELR, sensitivity was 84%, 95% CI (69% to 94%), specificity was 98%, 95% CI (97% to 99%) and positive predictive value was 56%, 95% CI (42% to 69%). CONCLUSION Automatic AF detection with ELR results in an AF diagnosis in more than five patients without AF for each patient with AF as verified in continuous ECG. For adjudicated AF detection by ELR, sensitivity was confirmed to 84% and specificity 98%. Automatic ELR as investigated in this study may be considered to rule out AF, but it is not suitable as a single monitoring device for AF screening in patients early after stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02155907.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michala Herskind Sejr
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovasculair Research Unit, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Herning, Denmark
| | - Ole May
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovasculair Research Unit, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Herning, Denmark
| | - Dorte Damgaard
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Oude Velthuis B, Molenaar M, Reinhart Dorman HG, Stevenhagen JY, Scholten MF, van der Palen J, van Opstal JM. Use of three-dimensional computed tomography overlay for real-time cryoballoon ablation in atrial fibrillation reduces radiation dose and contrast dye. Neth Heart J 2017; 25:388-393. [PMID: 28205119 PMCID: PMC5435618 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-017-0962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cryoballoon pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation has proven to be effective in short-term and long-term follow-up. To visualise the PV anatomy, pre-ablation contrast pulmonary venography is commonly performed. Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) overlay is a new technique creating a live 3D image of the left atrium by integrating a previously obtained CT scan during fluoroscopy. To evaluate the benefits of 3D CT overlay during cryoballoon ablation, we studied the use of 3D CT overlay versus contrast pulmonary venography in a randomised fashion in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing cryoballoon PV isolation. METHODS AND RESULTS Between October 2012 and June 2013, 30 patients accepted for PV isolation were randomised to cryoballoon PV isolation using either 3D CT overlay or contrast pulmonary venography. All patients underwent a pre-procedural cardiac CT for evaluation of the anatomy of the left atrium (LA) and the PVs. In the 3D CT overlay group, a 3D reconstruction of the LA and PVs was made. An overlay of the CT reconstruction was then projected over live fluoroscopy. Patients in the contrast pulmonary venography group received significantly more contrast agent (77.1 ± 21.2 cc vs 40.1 ± 17.6 cc, p < 0.001) and radiation (43.0 ± 21.9 Gy.cm2 vs 28.41 ± 11.7 Gy.cm2, p = 0.04) than subjects in the 3D CT overlay group. There was no difference in total procedure time, fluoroscopy time and the amount of cryoapplications between the two groups. CONCLUSION The use of 3D CT overlay decreases radiation and contrast dye exposure and can assist in guiding cryoballoon-based PV isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Oude Velthuis
- Thorax Centre Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - M Molenaar
- Thorax Centre Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - J Y Stevenhagen
- Thorax Centre Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - M F Scholten
- Thorax Centre Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - J van der Palen
- Department of Research methodology, Methods and Data Analysis, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Medical School Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - J M van Opstal
- Thorax Centre Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Welton NJ, McAleenan A, Thom HHZ, Davies P, Hollingworth W, Higgins JPT, Okoli G, Sterne JAC, Feder G, Eaton D, Hingorani A, Fawsitt C, Lobban T, Bryden P, Richards A, Sofat R. Screening strategies for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis. Health Technol Assess 2017. [DOI: 10.3310/hta21290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of thromboembolic events. Anticoagulation therapy to prevent AF-related stroke has been shown to be cost-effective. A national screening programme for AF may prevent AF-related events, but would involve a substantial investment of NHS resources.ObjectivesTo conduct a systematic review of the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of screening tests for AF, update a systematic review of comparative studies evaluating screening strategies for AF, develop an economic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies and review observational studies of AF screening to provide inputs to the model.DesignSystematic review, meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.SettingPrimary care.ParticipantsAdults.InterventionScreening strategies, defined by screening test, age at initial and final screens, screening interval and format of screening {systematic opportunistic screening [individuals offered screening if they consult with their general practitioner (GP)] or systematic population screening (when all eligible individuals are invited to screening)}.Main outcome measuresSensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratios; the odds ratio of detecting new AF cases compared with no screening; and the mean incremental net benefit compared with no screening.Review methodsTwo reviewers screened the search results, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. A DTA meta-analysis was perfomed, and a decision tree and Markov model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the screening strategies.ResultsDiagnostic test accuracy depended on the screening test and how it was interpreted. In general, the screening tests identified in our review had high sensitivity (> 0.9). Systematic population and systematic opportunistic screening strategies were found to be similarly effective, with an estimated 170 individuals needed to be screened to detect one additional AF case compared with no screening. Systematic opportunistic screening was more likely to be cost-effective than systematic population screening, as long as the uptake of opportunistic screening observed in randomised controlled trials translates to practice. Modified blood pressure monitors, photoplethysmography or nurse pulse palpation were more likely to be cost-effective than other screening tests. A screening strategy with an initial screening age of 65 years and repeated screens every 5 years until age 80 years was likely to be cost-effective, provided that compliance with treatment does not decline with increasing age.ConclusionsA national screening programme for AF is likely to represent a cost-effective use of resources. Systematic opportunistic screening is more likely to be cost-effective than systematic population screening. Nurse pulse palpation or modified blood pressure monitors would be appropriate screening tests, with confirmation by diagnostic 12-lead electrocardiography interpreted by a trained GP, with referral to a specialist in the case of an unclear diagnosis. Implementation strategies to operationalise uptake of systematic opportunistic screening in primary care should accompany any screening recommendations.LimitationsMany inputs for the economic model relied on a single trial [the Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly (SAFE) study] and DTA results were based on a few studies at high risk of bias/of low applicability.Future workComparative studies measuring long-term outcomes of screening strategies and DTA studies for new, emerging technologies and to replicate the results for photoplethysmography and GP interpretation of 12-lead electrocardiography in a screening population.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013739.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky J Welton
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alexandra McAleenan
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Howard HZ Thom
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Philippa Davies
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Will Hollingworth
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Julian PT Higgins
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - George Okoli
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan AC Sterne
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gene Feder
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Aroon Hingorani
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher Fawsitt
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Trudie Lobban
- Atrial Fibrillation Association, Shipston on Stour, UK
- Arrythmia Alliance, Shipston on Stour, UK
| | - Peter Bryden
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alison Richards
- School of Social and Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Reecha Sofat
- Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, University College London, London, UK
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Sejr MH, Nielsen JC, Damgaard D, Sandal BF, May O. Atrial fibrillation detected by external loop recording for seven days or two-day simultaneous Holter recording: A comparison in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. J Electrocardiol 2017; 50:287-293. [PMID: 28118928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac cause of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (IS/TIA). AIM To compare the diagnostic value of seven-day external loop recording (ELR) and two-day Holter recording for detecting AF after IS/TIA. METHODS 191 IS/TIA patients without AF history. Endpoint was AF >30s. We started two-day Holter recording and seven-day ELR simultaneously. RESULTS Seven-day ELR and two-day Holter recording detected the same three AF patients. ELR detected another six patients with AF adjudicated by cardiologists, four detections after Holter (3 vs. 7, p=0.125) and two false-positive detections during Holter. Seven-day ELR automatically classified 50/191 patients (26%) with AF, but only 7/50 (14%) were confirmed as AF by cardiologists. CONCLUSION Seven-day ELR did not detect significantly more patients with AF than two-day Holter recording. 86% of patients with ELR-classified AF were false positives, indicating a poor performance of the automatic AF detection algorithm used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michala Herskind Sejr
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Gl. Landevej 61, Herning, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | - Ole May
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Regional Hospital West Jutland.
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Locati ET, Moya A, Oliveira M, Tanner H, Willems R, Lunati M, Brignole M. External prolonged electrocardiogram monitoring in unexplained syncope and palpitations: results of the SYNARR-Flash study. Europace 2016; 18:1265-72. [PMID: 26519025 PMCID: PMC4974630 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS SYNARR-Flash study (Monitoring of SYNcopes and/or sustained palpitations of suspected ARRhythmic origin) is an international, multicentre, observational, prospective trial designed to evaluate the role of external 4-week electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in clinical work-up of unexplained syncope and/or sustained palpitations of suspected arrhythmic origin. METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive patients were enrolled within 1 month after unexplained syncope or palpitations (index event) after being discharged from emergency room or hospitalization without a conclusive diagnosis. A 4-week ECG monitoring was obtained by external high-capacity loop recorder (SpiderFlash-T(®), Sorin) storing patient-activated and auto-triggered tracings. Diagnostic monitorings included (i) conclusive events with reoccurrence of syncope or palpitation with concomitant ECG recording (with/without arrhythmias) and (ii) events with asymptomatic predefined significant arrhythmias (sustained supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia, advanced atrio-ventricular block, sinus bradycardia <30 b.p.m., pauses >6 s). SYNARR-Flash study enrolled 395 patients (57.7% females, 56.9 ± 18.7 years, 28.1% with syncope, and 71.9% with palpitations) from 10 European centres. For syncope, the 4-week diagnostic yield was 24.5%, and predictors of diagnostic events were early start of recording (0-15 vs. >15 days after index event) (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.3-29.6, P = 0.021) and previous history of supraventricular arrhythmias (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-9.7, P = 0.018). For palpitations, the 4-week diagnostic yield was 71.6% and predictors of diagnostic events were history of recurrent palpitations (P < 0.001) and early start of recording (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION The 4-week external ECG monitoring can be considered as first-line tool in the diagnostic work-up of syncope and palpitation. Early recorder use, history of supraventricular arrhythmia, and frequent previous events increased the likelihood of diagnostic events during the 4-week external ECG monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- E T Locati
- Department of Cardiovascular-Cardiology 3, Electrophysiology, Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, Milano 20162, Italy
| | - A Moya
- Univeristy Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain University Hospital QuironDexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - M Lunati
- Department of Cardiovascular-Cardiology 3, Electrophysiology, Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, Milano 20162, Italy
| | - M Brignole
- Lavagna Hospital, Lavagna, Genova, Italy
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Kennedy A, Finlay DD, Guldenring D, Bond RR, McLaughlin J. Detecting the Elusive P-Wave: A New ECG Lead to Improve the Recording of Atrial Activity. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2016; 63:243-9. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2015.2450212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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PérezRodon J, FranciscoPascual J, RivasGándara N, RocaLuque I, Bellera N, MoyaMitjans À. Cryptogenic Stroke And Role Of Loop Recorder. J Atr Fibrillation 2014; 7:1178. [PMID: 27957141 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality when untreated. Identifying atrial fibrillation is important because atrial fibrillation ischemic related strokes are associated with an increased risk of disability and death compared with strokes of other etiologies and tend to recur without anticoagulation. However, atrial fibrillation detection can be difficult when it is asymptomatic and paroxistic and may be the underlying cause of some cryptogenic strokes or strokes of unknown origin. In this review, the different methods of cardiac monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke are summarized, with a focus on loop recorder monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi PérezRodon
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume FranciscoPascual
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria RivasGándara
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivo RocaLuque
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Bellera
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àngel MoyaMitjans
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
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Schaefer JR, Leussler D, Rosin L, Pittrow D, Hepp T. Improved detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation utilizing a software-assisted electrocardiogram approach. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89328. [PMID: 24586692 PMCID: PMC3938451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Automated complexity-based statistical stroke risk analysis (SRA) of electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings can be used to estimate the risk of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF). We investigated whether this method could improve the reliability of detection of patients at risk for pAF. Methods and Results Data from 12-lead ECGs, 24-h Holter ECGs, and SRA based on separate 1-hour Holter ECG snips were collected from three groups: 70 patients with a history of pAF but who showed no AF episode in the 12-lead ECG at study entry; 19 patients with chronic AF (at study entry); and 100 young healthy individuals. AF episodes were detected by Holter ECG in 19 of the 70 non-chronic AF patients (27.1% overall, 18.6% in the first hour), and 37 of these 70 patients were classified as at risk for pAF by SRA (representing a sensitivity of 52.9% based on the first hour of analyzed recording). Fifty-four of the 70 patients also showed a sinus rhythm in the first hour. SRA detected pAF risk in 23 of these 54 patients (representing a sensitivity of 42.6%). The Holter data showed at least 1 AF episode and at least 1 hour of sinus rhythm in nine of the patients with pAF. For these patients, SRA classified 77.8% as being at risk in the first hour after the end of the AF episode, and 71.4% and 42.9% as being at risk in the second and third hours, respectively. SRA detected almost all cardiologist-confirmed AF episodes that had been recorded in 1-hour ECG snips (sensitivity, 99.2%; specificity, 99.2%). Conclusions This outpatient study confirms previous findings that routine use of SRA could improve AF detection rates and thus may shorten the time between AF onset and initiation of prevention measures for patients at high risk for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen R. Schaefer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Dieter Leussler
- Cardiology Clinic, “Kardiologie Plattform Hessen”, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Rosin
- Medical Department, Sanofi-Aventis, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Pittrow
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hepp
- Apoplex Medical Technologies GmbH, Pirmasens, Germany
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Locati ET, Vecchi AM, Vargiu S, Cattafi G, Lunati M. Role of extended external loop recorders for the diagnosis of unexplained syncope, pre-syncope, and sustained palpitations. Europace 2013; 16:914-22. [PMID: 24158255 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eut337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To assess the diagnostic yield of new external loop recorders (ELRs) in patients with history of syncope, pre-syncope, and sustained palpitations. METHODS AND RESULTS Since 2005, we have established a registry including patients who consecutively received ELR monitoring for unexplained syncope or pre-syncope/palpitations. The registry included 307 patients (61% females, age 58 ± 19 years, range 8-94 years) monitored by high-capacity memory ELR of two subsequent generations: SpiderFlash-A(®) (SFA(®), Sorin CRM), storing two-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) patient-activated recordings by loop-recording technique (191 patients, 54 patients with syncope, years 2005-09), and SpiderFlash-T(®) (SFT(®)), adding auto-trigger detection for pauses, bradycardia, and supraventricular/ventricular arrhythmias (116 patients, 38 patients with syncope, years 2009-12). All the patients previously underwent routine workup for syncope or palpitation, including one or more 24 h Holter, not conclusive for diagnosis. Mean monitoring duration was 24.1 ± 8.9 days. Among 215 patients with palpitations, a conclusive diagnosis was obtained in 184 patients (86% diagnostic yield for palpitation). Among 92 patients with syncope, a conclusive diagnosis was obtained in 16 patients (17% clinical diagnostic yield for syncope), with recording during syncope of significant arrhythmias in 9 patients, and sinus rhythm in 7 patients. Furthermore, asymptomatic arrhythmias were de novo detected in 12 patients (13%), mainly by auto-trigger detection, suggesting an arrhythmic origin of the syncope. CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic yield of ELR in patients with syncope, pre-syncope, or palpitation of unknown origin after routine workup was similar to implantable loop recorder (ILR) within the same timeframe, therefore, ELR could be considered for patients candidate for long-term ECG monitoring, stepwise before ILR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela T Locati
- Department of Cardiovascular, Cardiology Unit 3 - Electrophysiology, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Vecchi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Cardiology Unit 3 - Electrophysiology, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Vargiu
- Department of Cardiovascular, Cardiology Unit 3 - Electrophysiology, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cattafi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Cardiology Unit 3 - Electrophysiology, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Lunati
- Department of Cardiovascular, Cardiology Unit 3 - Electrophysiology, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Velthuis BO, Bos J, Kraaier K, Stevenhagen J, van Opstal JM, van der Palen J, Scholten MF. Performance of an external transtelephonic loop recorder for automated detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2013; 18:564-70. [PMID: 24303971 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered arrhythmia, some of the properties make its detection challenging. In daily practice, underdiagnosis can lead to less effective treatment in prevention of stroke. Based on data from studies on treatment of AF, more intensive follow-up strategies, including 7-day Holter recording, 30-day event recording, and even implantable cardiac monitoring devices, are suggested. The study purpose is to evaluate the performance of a continuous single-channel loop recorder with automatic AF detection and transtelephonic electrocardiogram (ECG) transmission capabilities. METHODS AND RESULTS A consecutive cohort of 153 patients admitted to the stroke unit with a presumptive diagnosis of ischemic cerebrovascular accident was screened for AF. Twenty-four-hour rhythm observation was performed using a single-channel external loop recorder (ELR) configured for automated AF detection. A total of 45 patients with a known history of AF, AF on the admission ECG, or incomplete registrations were excluded. Extensive additional frequency-based settings were used to establish a reference registration. In total, 2923 recordings were transmitted. We evaluated all events, of which 1190 were designated by the device as AF. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for identifying AF using the ELR were, respectively, 93%, 51%, 5%, and 99%. CONCLUSIONS In this ELR validation study, the dedicated AF detection algorithm showed to be highly sensitive but not specific for AF. Applicability of an ELR might be limited for efficacious detection of AF, as manual verification is mandatory for a vast amount of recordings.
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Oude Velthuis B, Stevenhagen J, van Opstal JM, Scholten MF. Continuation of vitamin K antagonists as acceptable anticoagulation regimen in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. Neth Heart J 2012; 20:12-5. [PMID: 22161077 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-011-0223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that radiofrequency isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVI) is an effective treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Based on these positive results, non- pharmacological therapy has been incorporated in the guidelines for drug refractory atrial fibrillation, resulting in an increased popularity. The prevention of thromboembolic complications remains an important issue. METHODS In January 2010, we adopted an anticoagulation strategy based on continuation of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and selective use of transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). We retrospectively analysed the results of this strategy in all patients referred for PVI treatment. VKAs were started for all patients 2 months prior to treatment. Discontinuation of oral anticoagulation was considered 3 months after treatment based on thromboembolic and bleeding risk profile. Bleeding and thromboembolic complications were registered during outpatient clinic follow-up up until 3 months. RESULTS We performed 151 PVI procedures from January 2010 to March 2011. All patients were seen 6 weeks after discharge. No transient ischaemic accidents or ischaemic cerebrovascular incidents occurred pre-, peri- or postprocedure. Four (2.7%) procedures were complicated by tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the increasing evidence for continuation of periprocedural administration of VKAs complemented by a selective TEE approach as a safe therapy for thromboembolic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Oude Velthuis
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcentrum Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, P.O. Box 50000, 7500, KA, Enschede, the Netherlands
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