Efficacy and clinical implications of a stepwise screening strategy for atrial fibrillation after stroke: Insights from the SAFAS study - 04/09/24

Doi : 10.1016/j.acvd.2024.07.062

Karim Benali ^a,^⁎ , Gauthier Duloquin ^b,^c, Cyril Noto-Campanella ^d, Lucie Garnier ^b,^c, Romain Didier ^b,^e, Thibaut Pommier ^b,^e, Gabriel Laurent ^b,^e, Catherine Vergely ^b, Yannick Béjot ^b,^c, Charles Guenancia ^b,^e
^a Cardiology Department, Saint-Etienne University Hospital, Jean-Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
^b Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA 7460), Faculty of Health Sciences, Université de Bourgogne, Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France
^c Neurology Department, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
^d Emergency Department, Saint-Etienne University Hospital, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
^e Cardiology Department, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France

^⁎Corresponding author at: Cardiology Department, Saint-Etienne University Hospital, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France.Cardiology Department, Saint-Etienne University Hospitalavenue Albert-RaimondSaint-Priest-en-Jarez42270France

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Graphical abstract

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Highlights

•	Optimal timing and combinations of screening tools for AF after stroke remains unclear.
•	A sequential screening approach allows for early (in-hospital) detection of AF in many patients.
•	Proactive acute monitoring can avoid invasive long-term monitoring.
•	Implantable cardiac monitoring remains complementary for the detection of late AF.

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Abstract

Background

Although guidelines recommend screening patients for atrial fibrillation (AF) after stroke, the optimal timing and combination of screening tools remain unclear.

Aims

We evaluated the suitability of a sequential combination of screening techniques for AF detected after stroke (AFDAS). We also compared patient characteristics according to the timing of AFDAS.

Methods

Patients without previous AF admitted for acute ischaemic stroke were prospectively enrolled. After a stepwise screening approach for AFDAS based on electrocardiogram, telemetry monitoring and in-hospital long-term Holter, patients with cryptogenic stroke underwent implantation of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM). Early AFDAS was defined as AF diagnosed during hospitalization and late AFDAS as AF diagnosed on an ICM.

Results

Of the 240 patients included, 104 (43.3%) had a documented cause of stroke not related to AF. Among the 136 remaining patients, AFDAS was detected in 82 (60.3%) during the acute screening phase or during the 3-year follow-up by ICM. Early AFDAS was diagnosed by ECG, telemetry and in-hospital long-term Holter monitoring in 17 (20.7%), 25 (30.5%) and 18 (22.0%) patients, respectively. Among 76 patients who had an ICM implanted for cryptogenic stroke, AF was detected in 22 patients (28.9%). Except for age and stroke location, patients with early AFDAS did not differ from those with late AFDAS, particularly with regard to the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy markers.

Conclusion

A stepwise approach to AFDAS screening allows early detection of AF in a considerable number of patients during their hospitalization. ICMs remain complementary to non-invasive screening tools for the detection of remote episodes of AF.

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Keywords : Atrial fibrillation, Stroke, Implantable cardiac monitor, Holter