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von Falkenhausen AS, Wischmann J, Keidel LM, Kellnar AM, Thaler R, Lackermair K, Estner HL, Höglinger G, Massberg S, Kääb S, Kellert L, Sinner MF. Clinical practice of continuous rhythm monitoring after embolic stroke of undetermined source. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302404. [PMID: 38630693 PMCID: PMC11023399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) accounts for up to 20% of ischemic strokes annually. Undetected atrial fibrillation (AF) is one important potential underlying cause. For AF, oral anticoagulation has evolved as the most preferable means of secondary stroke prevention. To detect unrecognized paroxysmal AF, long-term ECG monitoring is required, and implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) appear most suitable. Yet, ICMs are particularly costly, implantation is invasive, and remote monitoring places a personnel burden on health care providers. Here, we use data from a large cohort of ESUS patients to systematically analyze the effort of ICM remote monitoring for AF diagnosis and the strain on health care providers. METHODS AND RESULTS From a prospective, single-center, observational ESUS registry, we analyzed all ICM-equipped patients post-ESUS (n = 172) between January 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2019. Through January 2nd, 2023, 48 patients (27.9%) were diagnosed with AF by ICM remote monitoring. During follow-up, a total of 29,180 remote monitoring episodes were transmitted, of which 17,742 were alarms for AF. A systematic estimation of workload revealed that on average, 20.3 trained physician workhours are required to diagnose one patient with AF. CONCLUSION ICM remote monitoring is useful to diagnose AF in cohort of post-ESUS patients. However, the number of ICM alarms is high, even in a cohort at known high risk of AF and in whom AF detection is therapeutically consequential. Improved automated event classification, clear recommendations for ICM interrogation after AF diagnosis, and a careful patient selection for ICM monitoring are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aenne Solvejg von Falkenhausen
- Department of Medicine I, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Wischmann
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Linus M. Keidel
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia M. Kellnar
- Department of Medicine I, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Raffael Thaler
- Department of Medicine I, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Heidi L. Estner
- Department of Medicine I, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Günter Höglinger
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Massberg
- Department of Medicine I, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Kääb
- Department of Medicine I, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Kellert
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz F. Sinner
- Department of Medicine I, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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2
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Zhang JC, Bhat A. Atrial Cardiopathy: Redefining Stroke Risk Beyond Atrial Fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2023; 201:177-184. [PMID: 37385172 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke are dual epidemics in society, both associated with poor clinical outcomes, patient disability, and significant healthcare expenditure. The conditions are interrelated and share complex causal pathways. Risk stratification algorithms such as the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score offer predictive value in stroke and systemic embolism risk in the AF population, however, have limitations. Recent evidence suggests that an intrinsically prothrombotic atrial substrate may precede and promote AF and lead to thromboembolic events independent of the arrhythmia, allowing for a window of intervention before arrhythmia detection and development of ischemic stroke. Initial work has found incremental value in addition of parameters of atrial cardiopathy to traditional stroke risk stratification algorithms, however, requires evaluation with dedicated prospective randomized studies before use in real-world clinical practice. In this narrative review, we explore current evidence and literature on the use of measures of atrial cardiopathy in stroke risk stratification and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Chu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aditya Bhat
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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3
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Diener HC, Wachter R, Wong A, Thijs V, Schnabel RB, Ntaios G, Kasner S, Rothwell PM, Passman R, Saver JL, Albers BA, Bernstein RA. Monitoring for atrial fibrillation prior to patent foramen ovale closure after cryptogenic stroke. Int J Stroke 2023; 18:400-407. [PMID: 36050817 PMCID: PMC10037544 DOI: 10.1177/17474930221124412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients who had a cryptogenic stroke (CS) suspected to be causally related to a patent foramen ovale (PFO) are candidates for percutaneous PFO closure. In such patients, it is important to screen for atrial fibrillation (AF). Limited guidance is available regarding AF monitoring strategies in CS patients with PFO addressing optimal monitoring technology and duration. AIM To provide a narrative review of cardiac rhythm monitoring in CS patients considered for PFO closure, including current practices, stroke recurrences after CS, findings from monitoring studies in CS patients, and predictors for AF detection published in the literature. To propose a personalized strategy for cardiac monitoring in CS patients, accounting for aspects predicting AF detection. SUMMARY OF REVIEW AF detection in CS patients is predicted by age, left atrial enlargement, prolonged PR interval, frequent premature atrial contractions, interatrial conduction block, diabetes, prior brain infarctions, leukoaraiosis, elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and a family history of AF, as well as composed scores (e.g. CHA2DS2-VASc, atrial fibrillation in embolic stroke of undetermined source (AF-ESUS)). The causal role of the PFO may be accounted for by the risk of paradoxical embolism (RoPE) score and/or the PFO-Associated Stroke Causal Likelihood (PASCAL) classification. CONCLUSION A personalized approach to AF detection in CS patients is proposed, accounting for the likelihood of AF detection and aimed at obtaining sufficient confidence regarding the absence of AF in patients considered for PFO closure. In addition, the impact of high-risk PFO features on the monitoring strategy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Christoph Diener
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrew Wong
- Neurology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Vincent Thijs
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Scott Kasner
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter M Rothwell
- Wolfson Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rod Passman
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Saver
- Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bert A Albers
- Albers Clinical Evidence Consultancy, Winterswijk Woold, The Netherlands
| | - Richard A Bernstein
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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4
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von Falkenhausen AS, Feil K, Sinner MF, Schönecker S, Müller J, Wischmann J, Eiffener E, Clauss S, Poli S, Poli K, Zuern CS, Ziemann U, Berrouschot J, Kitsiou A, Schäbitz WR, Dieterich M, Massberg S, Kääb S, Kellert L. Atrial Fibrillation Risk Assessment after Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. Ann Neurol 2023; 93:479-488. [PMID: 36373166 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately 20% of strokes are embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS). Undetected atrial fibrillation (AF) remains an important cause. Yet, oral anticoagulation in unselected ESUS patients failed in secondary stroke prevention. Guidance on effective AF detection is lacking. Here, we introduce a novel, non-invasive AF risk assessment after ESUS. METHODS Catch-Up ESUS is an investigator-initiated, observational cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2019 at the Munich University Hospital. Besides clinical characteristics, patients received ≥72 h digital electrocardiogram recordings to generate the rhythm irregularity burden. Uni- and multivariable regression models predicted the primary endpoint of incident AF, ascertained by standardized follow-up including implantable cardiac monitors. Predictors included the novel rhythm irregularity burden constructed from digital electrocardiogram recordings. We independently validated our model in ESUS patients from the University Hospital Tübingen, Germany. RESULTS A total of 297 ESUS patients were followed for 15.6 ± 7.6 months. Incident AF (46 patients, 15.4%) occurred after a median of 105 days (25th to 75th percentile 31-33 days). Secondary outcomes were recurrent stroke in 7.7% and death in 6.1%. Multivariable-adjusted analyses identified the rhythm irregularity burden as the strongest AF-predictor (hazard ratio 3.12, 95% confidence interval 1.62-5.80, p < 0001) while accounting for the known risk factors age, CHA2 DS2 -VASc-Score, and NT-proBNP. Independent validation confirmed the rhythm irregularity burden as the most significant AF-predictor (hazard ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.45-3.33, p < 0001). INTERPRETATION The novel, non-invasive, electrocardiogram-based rhythm irregularity burden may help adjudicating AF risk after ESUS, and subsequently guide AF-detection after ESUS. Clinical trials need to clarify if high-AF risk patients benefit from tailored secondary stroke prevention. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:479-488.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aenne S von Falkenhausen
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Feil
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology and Stroke, University Hospital, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moritz F Sinner
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Schönecker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Müller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Wischmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elodie Eiffener
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Clauss
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Poli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University Hospital, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Khouloud Poli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University Hospital, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christine S Zuern
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University Hospital, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.,Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University Hospital, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Berrouschot
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Altenburger Land, Altenburg, Germany
| | - Alkisti Kitsiou
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wolf-Rüdiger Schäbitz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Marianne Dieterich
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Massberg
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Kääb
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Kellert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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5
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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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Feil K, Heinrich J, von Falkenhausen AS, Becker R, Küpper C, Müller K, Thunstedt DC, Sinner MF, Kääb S, Kellert L. Recurrent Stroke in a Young Patient with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source and Patent Foramen Ovale: Quo Vadis? Case Rep Neurol 2020; 12:45-49. [PMID: 32110227 PMCID: PMC7036551 DOI: 10.1159/000505180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
So far, there has been no generally accepted diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). As recent clinical trials on secondary stroke prevention in ESUS did not support the use of oral anticoagulation and the concept of ESUS comprises heterogeneous subgroups of patients, including a wide age range, concomitant patent foramen ovale (PFO), variable cardiovascular risk factors as well as a variable probability for atrial fibrillation (AF), an individualized clinical approach is needed. In this context, we here present a case of recurrent stroke in a young patient with ESUS and PFO. During treatment according to our Catch-up-ESUS registry study, prolonged cardiac monitoring diagnosed AF, and PFO closure was omitted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Feil
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Heinrich
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Aenne S von Falkenhausen
- Department of Medicine 1, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Becker
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens Küpper
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Müller
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Moritz F Sinner
- Department of Medicine 1, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Kääb
- Department of Medicine 1, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Kellert
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
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