Early Anti-Coagulation after Ischemic Stroke due to Atrial Fibrillation is Safe and Prevents Recurrent Stroke

AbstractBackground: Patients with acute cardio-embolic stroke from atrial fibrillation (AF) are at risk for recurrence with up to 50% of recurrent stroke occurring within two weeks of the index event. Anti-coagulation with heparinoids within 48 hours of stroke has been shown to increase risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with no clear benefit on early stroke recurrence. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who were admitted to the stroke service at the Foothills Medical Centre between 2009 and 2011. All patients with an acute stroke with a cardio-embolic etiology and a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation were reviewed. We hypothesized that anti-coagulation within two weeks of stroke, appropriately begun because of a diagnosis of AF, decreased rates of recurrent stroke without causing an increase in rates of symptomatic ICH. Results: Between 2009-2011, 324 patients were identified with cardio-embolic stroke secondary to AF. Within two weeks of stroke onset 61.4% (199/324) of patients were therapeutic on anti-coagulation. Patients who were anti-coagulated had a smaller median index stroke volume (3.2 ml vs 18.4 ml). Three (0.9%) patients suffered a clinically significant ICH. Recurrent stroke occurred in 11 patients (3.4%) within the two-week period. Therapeutic anti-coagulation within two weeks of initial stroke was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent stroke (RR 0.1, 95% CI 0.03-0.64). Conclusions: Anti-coagulation within two weeks of acute stroke in patients with AF appears to be safe among patients with smaller infarcts and prevents early recurrent infarction.

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Association of Electrocardiographic P-Wave Markers and Atrial Fibrillation in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000512179 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Tony Y.W. Li ◽

Leonard Leong L. Yeo ◽

Jamie Sin Ying Ho ◽

Aloysius S. Leow ◽

Mark Y. Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Risk Stratification ◽

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Embolic Stroke ◽

P Wave ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Atrial Remodeling ◽

P Wave Dispersion ◽

New Onset

Background: Several P-wave indices are thought to represent underlying atrial remodeling and have been associated with ischaemic stroke even in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the utility of these P-wave indices in predicting outcomes in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) has not been studied. The aim of this study is to examine these different P-wave indices towards predicting new-onset AF and stroke recurrence in a cohort of patients with ESUS, thereby demonstrating the value of these electrocardiographic markers for stroke risk stratification. Methods: Between October 2014 and October 2017, consecutive patients diagnosed with ESUS were followed for new-onset AF and ischaemic stroke recurrence. The various P-wave indices, namely, the P-terminal force in the precordial lead V1 (PTFV1), P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, interatrial blocks, and P-wave axis, were assessed on the initial electrocardiogram on presentation and studied for their relation to eventual AF detection and recurrent stroke. Results: 181 ischaemic stroke patients with ESUS were recruited and followed up for a median duration of 2.1 years. An abnormal PTFV1 was associated with occult AF detection but not with recurrent ischaemic strokes. No significant association was observed between the other P-wave indices with either occult AF or stroke recurrence. Conclusion: PTFV1 is associated with AF detection but not recurrent strokes in ESUS patients and can be a useful electrocardiographic marker for further risk stratification in ESUS patients.

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Predictors of Development of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Embolic Stroke Of Undetermined Source: An Analysis of the RE-SPECT ESUS Trial

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circulationaha.121.055176 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Cecilia Bahit ◽

Ralph L. Sacco ◽

J. Donald Easton ◽

Juliane Meyerhoff ◽

Lisa Cronin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Important Variable ◽

Older Age ◽

Embolic Stroke ◽

Cardiac Monitoring

Background: A proportion of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) have silent atrial fibrillation (AF) or develop AF after the initial evaluation. Better understanding of risk for development of AF is critical to implement optimal monitoring strategies with the goal of preventing recurrent stroke due to underlying AF. The RE-SPECT ESUS trial provides an opportunity to assess predictors for developing AF and associated recurrent stroke. Methods: RE-SPECT ESUS was a randomized, controlled trial (564 sites, 42 countries) assessing dabigatran versus aspirin for the prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with ESUS. Of 5390 patients enrolled and followed for a median of 19 months, 403 (7.5%) were found to develop AF reported as an adverse event or using cardiac monitoring per standard clinical care. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to define predictors of AF. Results: In the multivariable model, older age (odds ratio [OR] for 10-year increase 1.99 [1.78-2.23]; P<0.001), hypertension (1.36 [1.03-1.79]; P=0.0304), diabetes (OR 0.74 [0.56-0.96]; P=0.022), and body mass index (OR for 5-unit increase 1.29 [1.16-1.43]; P<0.001) were independent predictors of AF during the study. In a sensitivity analysis restricted to 1117 patients with baseline N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements, only older age and higher NT-proBNP were significant independent predictors of AF. Performances of several published predictive models were assessed, including the HAVOC and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, and higher scores were associated with higher rates of developing AF. Conclusions: Besides age as the most important variable, several other factors, including hypertension, higher body mass index, and lack of diabetes, are independent predictors of AF after ESUS. When baseline NT-proBNP was available, only older age and elevation of this biomarker were predictive of subsequent AF. Understanding who is at higher risk of developing AF will assist in identifying patients who may benefit from more intense, long-term cardiac monitoring.

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Abstract P684: Treatment of Hypercoagulability-Induced New Neurovascular Events Using Enoxaparin vs DOACs (THINNED): A Retrospective Study

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p684 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Danielle Golub ◽

Sakinah Sabadia ◽

Shadi Yaghi ◽

Aneek Patel ◽

Christopher Hernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Metastatic Disease ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Antiplatelet Agent ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Initial Study ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Vessel Infiltration

Introduction: The incidence of stroke is higher in patients with malignancy, especially within a few months of diagnosis and in more aggressive cancers. This phenomenon may be explained by an inherent hypercoagulable state, tumor embolism, vessel infiltration, or as a side effect from cancer treatment. Notably, stroke in cancer patients is associated with poor functional outcomes and reduced survival. Currently, however, there are no clear guidelines for antithrombotic management for prevention of recurrent strokes in these patients. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective chart review from 2013-2019. All adult patients with an ischemic stroke occurring with active malignancy and who then received either a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were included. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke, an intracranial malignancy, or who were immediately admitted to hospice were excluded. Results: A total of 55 patients were included with a mean age of 71.8 years (range 28-96), 60% females, 87.3% first-time strokes, and 54.9% with metastatic disease. After stroke, 25 patients received a DOAC and 30 received LMWH for anticoagulation with a mean follow-up of 403 days. Between these two groups, most presentation and treatment characteristics were similar except for baseline hypertension, hyperlipidemia, additional initiation of an antiplatelet, and follow-up time. There was no difference in either stroke recurrence (DOAC vs LMWH: OR 2.61 [0.51-13.45], p=0.252) or time to recurrent stroke (DOAC vs LMWH: HR 1.68, p=0.446), but both analyses required adjustment for additional initiation of an antiplatelet—which was significantly protective regardless of anticoagulation choice (p=0.021* and p=0.017*, respectively). There was a trend towards improved survival if placed on a DOAC (HR 0.27, p=0.051), even after adjusting for metastatic disease. Conclusions: In this initial study of cancer patients with ischemic stroke, anticoagulation choice made no difference on stroke recurrence; however, addition of an antiplatelet agent was significantly protective. There was also a trend towards improved survival on a DOAC. Additional prospective data incorporating a larger sample size could further validate these findings.

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Abstract 2668: Lacunar Strokes In Patients With Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.43.suppl_1.a2668 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Amir Khan ◽

Scott E Kasner ◽

Michael J Lynn ◽

Marc I Chimowitz ◽

Keyword(s):

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Microvascular Disease ◽

Intracranial Stenosis ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Lacunar Stroke ◽

Cox Proportional Hazard ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Index Stroke ◽

Cox Proportional Hazard Models ◽

Recurrent Strokes

Background and Purpose: Lacunar strokes are conventionally attributed to a distinct microvascular pathophysiology, but the “lacunar hypothesis” has been challenged since some small deep infarcts are identified in patients with sources of cardioembolism or large vessel atherosclerotic disease. We hypothesized that patients with intracranial stenosis with a lacunar stroke presentation would have a lower risk of recurrent stroke than those with an index non-lacunar stroke, and that their recurrent strokes would predominantly be lacunar. Methods: We analyzed subjects enrolled with an index stroke into the Warfarin Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease (WASID) trial. The index and endpoint strokes were classified as lacunar or non-lacunar by central adjudication. The primary endpoint was recurrent ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazard models were generated with stratification for severity of stenosis. Results: 347 subjects were enrolled after an index stroke, 38 were lacunar and 309 were non-lacunar. Over a mean follow-up of 1.8 years there was no significant difference in stroke recurrence between patients whose index stroke was lacunar (7/38; 18%) vs. non-lacunar (69/309; 22%) (HR 0.79, 95%CI: 0.36-1.71). Further, no significant differences were found when groups were stratified by 50-69% stenosis (HR 0.50, 95%CI:0.12-2.1) and ≥70% stenosis (HR 0.87, 95%CI: 0.34-2.2) but power was limited. Of the 7 recurrent strokes in patients whose index stroke was lacunar, all 7 were non-lacunar and 3 were in the territory of the stenotic artery. Of the 69 recurrent strokes in patients whose index stroke was non-lacunar, 6 (9%) were lacunar of which 4 were in the territory of the stenotic artery. Conclusions: The risk of recurrent stroke due to intracranial stenosis was similar in patients who presented with lacunar vs. non-lacunar strokes, and all recurrent strokes in patients presenting with lacunar stroke were non-lacunar. These findings suggest that the pathophysiology of index and recurrent strokes in patients presenting with a lacunar stroke and intracranial stenosis is related to the stenosis and not microvascular disease. Therefore, patients with intracranial stenosis who present with lacunar strokes should be included in future trials investigating secondary stroke prevention for symptomatic intracranial stenosis.

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Reevaluation of risk factors for time to subsequent events after first stroke occurrence using a new weighted all-cause effect measure

10.21203/rs.2.19014/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ann-Kathrin Ozga ◽

Bernhard Rauch ◽

Frederick Palm ◽

Christian Urbanek ◽

Armin Grau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Composite Endpoint ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Specific Effects ◽

Index Stroke ◽

One Year ◽

The One

Abstract Background : Risk factors for stroke include atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and high cholesterol. However, the role of these factors on subsequent cardiovascular events or death is less clear due to therapeutic measures. We therefore aim to get insights into the persistence of known risk factors on subsequent stroke or death one year after the first stroke and to illustrate how the new weighted all-cause hazard ratio can ease the interpretation of competing time-to-event endpoints with different clinical relevance. Methods : This study evaluates the one year follow-up of 470 first ever stroke cases identified in the area of Ludwigshafen, Germany, with 23 deaths and 34 subsequent stroke events. The recently introduced weighted all-cause hazard ratio was used which allows a weighting of the competing endpoints in a composite endpoint. We extended this approach to allow adjustment for covariates. The investigated risk factors were atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia adjusting for age and sex. Results : None of these meanwhile treated risk factors of which some have been modified after first stroke remained to be associated with subsequent death or stroke. Cause-specific effects point sometimes into opposite directions. Conclusions : Using the new weighted hazard ratio, we can support that well established risk factors for the occurrence of an index stroke are no good predictors of further disease progress defined by death or recurrent stroke. It has been demonstrated that the new weighted hazard ratio provides interpretation advantages over the common all-cause hazard ratio.

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P5350Atrial fibrillation prediction using P wave signal-averaged ECG in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0317 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Shin ◽

M Jung ◽

J Song ◽

J Kim ◽

K Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Unknown Origin ◽

Embolic Stroke ◽

P Wave ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Wave Duration ◽

P Wave Duration ◽

Potential Association

Abstract Background Approximately 10–25% of ischemic strokes are of unknown origin. Determining their potential association with subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) is important for proper secondary prevention. We investigated whether SCAF can be predicted by assessing the atrial substrate with signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG). Methods Between April 2015 and February 2018, we recruited 125 consecutive patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and 125 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients as control. All participants underwent P wave SAECG at baseline and ESUS patients were followed up with ECG and Holter ECG, at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge, and every 12 months thereafter. Results In the ESUS group (69 males, 68.4±12.1 years), 32 (25.6%) patients were diagnosed with SCAF during follow-up. There were no significant differences between both groups in terms of P wave duration [PWD] (ESUS vs. AF, P=0.321). PWD demonstrated a significant predictive efficacy for SCAF detection during follow-up (C-index of standard PWD=0.657, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.552–0.761, P=0.008). Stroke recurrence occurred in 22 patients (17.6%) and was significantly associated with PWD but not SCAF (odds ratio 2.756, 95% CI 1.061–7.161, P=0.037). Conclusion PWD, an ECG biomarker associated with atrial substrate directly contributes to AF and ESUS, is useful for predicting SCAF. The potential for using this simple ECG biomarker for screening for SCAF amongst ESUS patients merits further exploration.

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Abstract 197: Do the CHADS 2 , CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and HAS-BLED Scores Predict Recurrent Stroke and GI Bleeding in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke or TIA and Atrial Fibrillation?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.a197 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Frank L Silver ◽

Melissa Stamplecoski ◽

Jiming Fang ◽

Moira K Kapral

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽

Hospital Admissions ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Simple Random Sample ◽

Major Hemorrhage ◽

One Year

Background: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) the CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score are used to provide a risk for subsequent stroke and the HAS-BLED score for hemorrhage. These scores were derived from large cohorts of patients with AF, however, only 8 - 25% of the patients had a past history of stroke. We wanted to determine whether these prediction scores had utility in patients with AF who have had a recent stroke or TIA. Methods: We selected patients with AF and a first stroke or TIA from the 2002-3, 2004-5, 2008-9 and 2010-11 Ontario Stroke Audits (OSA). The OSA includes data from a simple random sample of 15 - 20% of stroke and TIA patients presenting to all Ontario hospitals identified using ICD-10 diagnostic codes I60, I61, I63, I64, H34.1 and G45. Recurrent ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and major GI hemorrhage were obtained by linking the OSA data to administrative databases for hospital admissions in the subsequent year. Results: There were 3,960 patients with AF in the OSA who were discharged alive following their first acute stroke or TIA. The median age was 80. At discharge 41% of the patients were prescribed anticoagulants, 24% antiplatelet therapy, 25% both and 9% were prescribed no antithrombotic therapy. The one year readmission rate for stroke was 5.3% (including 0.4% hemorrhagic stroke) and 1.9% for major hemorrhage. Multivariable logistic regression models did not show any significant association between the CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores and the risk of recurrent stroke. The HAS-BLED score failed to predict hemorrhagic stroke or major bleeding and the risk of major bleeding for the entire group at one year was low (1.9%). Patients prescribed anticoagulants at discharge had fewer recurrent strokes (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.34 - 0.90, p=0.02), a lower one year mortality (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.31 - 0.56, p <0.001) and the same risk of major bleeding as compared to patients not receiving anticoagulants. Conclusions: The CHADS 2 , CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and HAS-BLED scores did not predict recurrent stroke or hemorrhage in patients following an acute stroke or TIA. Anticoagulation at discharge was associated with a lower risk of recurrent stroke and death without a significant increase in the risk of major hemorrhage.

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Abstract W MP65: Moderate to Severe Left Atrial Enlargement is Associated with Cardioembolic or Cryptogenic Stroke Recurrence in a Multiethnic Cohort: The Northern Manhattan Study

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.46.suppl_1.wmp65 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Shadi Yaghi ◽

Yeseon P Moon ◽

Consuelo Mora-McLaughlin ◽

Joshua Z Willey ◽

Marco R Di Tullio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Cryptogenic Stroke ◽

Cardioembolic Stroke ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Stroke Subtypes ◽

Multiethnic Cohort

Background: While left atrial (LA) enlargement increases incident stroke risk, the association with recurrent stroke is unclear. Our aim was to determine the association of LA enlargement (LAE) with stroke recurrence risk and recurrent stroke subtypes likely related to embolism (cryptogenic or cardioembolic). Methods: We enrolled 655 first ischemic stroke patients in the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study. LA size was measured by two-dimensional echocardiogram as part of the clinical evaluation and patients were followed annually for up to 5 years. LA size adjusted for sex and body surface area was categorized into three groups: normal (52.7%), mild LAE (31.6%), and moderate to severe LAE (15.7%). The outcomes were total recurrent stroke, and recurrent combined cryptogenic or cardioembolic stroke. Cox proportional hazard models assessed the association between LA size and risk of stroke recurrence. Results: Of 655 patients, LA size data was present in 529 (81%). Mean age was 69 ± 13 years; 46% were male and 18% had atrial fibrillation. Over a median of 4 years, recurrent stroke occurred in 83 patients (16%), 29 were cardioembolic or cryptogenic stroke. After adjusting for baseline demographics and risk factors including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, compared to normal LA size, moderate to severe LAE was associated with greater risk of recurrent combined cardioembolic or cryptogenic stroke (adjusted HR 2. 99, 95% CI 1. 10 to 8.13), but not with risk of total stroke recurrence (adjusted HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.32). Mild LAE was not associated with either total stroke recurrence or the combined recurrent cryptogenic or cardioembolic stroke subtypes. Conclusion: Moderate to severe LAE is an independent marker of recurrent cardioembolic or cryptogenic stroke in a multiethnic cohort of ischemic stroke patients. Future research is needed to determine if anticoagulant use reduces the risk of recurrence in ischemic stroke patients with moderate to severe LAE.

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Abstract 163: Carotid Stenosis and Stroke Recurrence in Minor Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.163 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Shigeru Fujimoto ◽

Masato Ohsaki ◽

Masaya Kumamoto ◽

Takao Ishitsuka ◽

Takanari Kitazono

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Carotid Stenosis ◽

Positive Association ◽

Artery Stenosis ◽

Minor Stroke ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Antithrombotic Treatment ◽

D Dimer

Background & Purpose: Both atrial fibrillation (AF) and carotid stenosis (CS) can be associated with acute stroke recurrence and consequent bad outcome even in minor stroke. We investigated stroke recurrence and outcome in Japanese minor stroke patients with AF and/or CS. Subjects & Methods: Among the consecutive 6246 stroke patients who were admitted to the 7 stroke centers within 7 days after the onset, 634 patients with acute ischemic stroke with AF, the initial NIH stroke scale score of 7 or less, and prior modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0 or 1 were included in the present study. We observed an acute stroke recurrence during 3 weeks. Results: Acute stroke recurrence was observed in 27 (4.3%) patients. Major cerebral artery stenosis of 50% or more in diameter was observed in 159 (25.1%) patients, and among them 43 (6.8%) had carotid stenosis. Any major artery stenosis was more frequent in patients with than without stroke recurrence (55.6% vs 23.7%, p=0.0002). Carotid stenosis was more frequent in patients with than without stroke recurrence (25.9% vs 5.9%, p<0.0001). The initial NIHSS score was not different between patients with and without an acute stroke recurrence. Dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and history of brain hemorrhage were more frequent, and HDL cholesterol and estimated GFR values were lower, and HbA1c, fasting glucose, BUN, and D-dimer values were higher, intima-media thickness 0f the common carotid artery was thicker in patients with than without an acute stroke recurrence. On the multivariate analysis, carotid stenosis (OR 4.93, 95%CI 1.60~15.2) and D-dimer value (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.00~1.28) had a positive association with an acute stroke recurrence. Among 43 patients with both AF and CS, 7 had an acute stroke recurrence. With regard to the acute antithrombotic treatment, 5 patients were treated with only anticoagulant agents and other 2 patients were treated with both anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. Conclusions: Carotid stenosis was a significant predictor for an acute stroke recurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation. Optimal antithrombotic treatment in the acute phase in stroke patients with both AF and CS should be investigated.

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Abstract 13293: Detection of Atrial Fibrillation by Implantable Loop Recorders Following Cryptogenic Stroke: A Retrospective Study of Predictive Factors and Outcomes

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.13293 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Sara Samaan ◽

Beshoy Nazeer ◽

Heidi Stoute ◽

Wei Zhao ◽

Susanna Szpunar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Stroke Prevention ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Cryptogenic Stroke ◽

Embolic Stroke ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Secondary Stroke Prevention ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Implantable Loop Recorders

Introduction: Cryptogenic strokes account for up to 40% of ischemic strokes. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a known cause of ischemic stroke. Current data shows that occult AF can be detected by implantable devices at higher rates than conventional cardiac rhythm monitoring. There are, however, limited data available on risk factors and outcomes associated with AF detection by implantable loop recorders (ILRs). Objective: To investigate the risk factors and outcomes associated with occult AF detected by ILR in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients admitted with cryptogenic stroke at Ascension St John Hospital and Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Michigan who had ILRs placed from 1/1/2016 to 1/31/2020. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, treatment and outcomes. AF detection was defined as continuous AF for 30 seconds. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test, the χ2 test and logistic regression. Results: We reviewed 172 patients, 52.3% male, 56.4% white, mean age 62.7 ± 13.6 years. The incidence of AF detection by ILR was 14% (24/172) over a mean follow-up of 12.75 ± 10.71 months. The mean duration of monitoring prior to AF detection was 4.5 months (range:1 day to 14 months). The median duration of AF was 6 minutes (range: 37.2 seconds to 11.3 hours). From univariable analysis, older age (p=0.03), male sex (p=0.09), embolic stroke pattern on imaging (p=0.06), and lack of AF symptoms (p=0.001) were associated with AF detection by ILR. From multivariable analysis, patients with detected AF were more likely to be older (OR=1.04, p=0.04), male (OR=3.6, p=0.03), asymptomatic (OR=6.3, p=0.01), and have an embolic stroke pattern on imaging (OR=3.3, p=0.04). 95.7% of patients with confirmed AF were started on anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention. There was no difference in the incidence of stroke post-hospitalization between those with AF detection and those without (16% vs. 16.4%, p=0.96). Conclusions: In patients with cryptogenic stroke, age, gender, stroke pattern, and lack of AF symptoms are independent predictors of occult AF detection by ILR. Most patients with confirmed AF were started on anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention and had low stroke recurrence rates.

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