Identifying Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Stroke of Unknown Source

A combined analysis of electrocardiogram metrics could help uncover underlying atrial fibrillation.

Embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS) accounts for approximately 20% of ischemic strokes. Some of these patients later are found to have atrial fibrillation (AF), with the likelihood of finding AF partly linked with the intensity of monitoring. Identifying factors that can predict which patients are at highest risk for AF would be useful for clinicians. These authors evaluated a novel rhythm irregularity burden (RIB) score as a potential factor in predicting AF (defined as >30 seconds of AF). They calculated the RIB via analysis of the R-R intervals and number of premature atrial contractions.

The researchers first analyzed a derivation cohort of 297 patients (mean age, 68 years; 64% men; median NIH stroke scale score, 2) followed for a me…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Identifying Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Stroke of Unknown Source

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Reviewing Author