Atrial Fibrillation Monitoring in Cryptogenic Stroke: the Gaps Between Evidence and Practice.
Identifying occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as the etiology of cryptogenic stroke has been a top research priority in the past decade. This is because prompt initiation of anticoagulation has significantly decreased subsequent stroke risk. Available evidence suggests that prolonged cardiac monitoring after stroke increases the likelihood of detecting atrial fibrillation. However, further research is required to fill in the gaps in regard to the optimal period of monitoring, candidates for monitoring, etc. Here, we review the current evidence supporting the use of prolonged monitoring for cryptogenic stroke patients and discuss the directions of future research.
Electrophysiology Division, The Center for Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care, St. Louis University Hospital and School of Medicine, 3635 Vista Avenue, Desloge Tower (13th Floor), St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
Krittapoom
K
Akrawinthawong
Electrophysiology Division, The Center for Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care, St. Louis University Hospital and School of Medicine, 3635 Vista Avenue, Desloge Tower (13th Floor), St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
Karthik
K
Venkatesh Prasad
Electrophysiology Division, The Center for Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care, St. Louis University Hospital and School of Medicine, 3635 Vista Avenue, Desloge Tower (13th Floor), St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
Ali Akbar
AA
Mehdirad
Electrophysiology Division, The Center for Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care, St. Louis University Hospital and School of Medicine, 3635 Vista Avenue, Desloge Tower (13th Floor), St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. sferreir@slu.edu.
Scott Wayne
SW
Ferreira
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
Atrial fibrillation; Cryptogenic stroke; Implantable monitors; Monitoring; Review