Imaging features for the identification of atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke patients.

Background: Whether specific imaging aspects can be used to identify cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients with high risk of underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate brain-imaging features in CS patients and their utility as AF predictors.

Methods: The Nordic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke study was a prospective observational study of CS and transient ischemic attack patients undergoing 12-month cardiac-rhythm monitoring, biomarker and clinical assessments.

Biomarkers predictive of atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Insights from the Nordic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke (NOR-FIB) study.

Background And Purpose: There are currently no biomarkers to select cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients for monitoring with insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs), the most effective tool for diagnosing atrial fibrillation (AF) in CS. The purpose of this study was to assess clinically available biomarkers as predictors of AF.

Methods: Eligible CS and cryptogenic transient ischaemic attack patients underwent 12-month monitoring with ICMs, clinical follow-up and biomarker sampling.

Cryptogenic stroke and TIA: Suggested diagnostic approach while waiting for evaluation and treatment guidelines.

Background: Empiric strategies for secondary prevention in cryptogenic stroke and cryptogenic TIA are lacking. The best therapy to prevent recurrence depends on the cause of stroke. Attempting a correct diagnosis is therefore the fundamental goal of stroke treatment.

Biomarkers Associated with Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study from the NOR-FIB Study.

Background And Purpose: Cardioembolic stroke due to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) may account for 1 out of 4 cryptogenic strokes (CS) and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The purpose of this pilot study was to search for biomarkers potentially predicting incident AF in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA.

Methods: Plasma samples were collected from patients aged 18 years and older with ischemic stroke or TIA due to AF (n = 9) and large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) with ipsilateral carotid stenosis (n = 8) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 10).

Atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke and transient ischaemic attack - The Nordic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke (NOR-FIB) Study: Rationale and design.

Purpose: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is often suspected as a probable cause of cryptogenic stroke. Continuous long-term ECG monitoring using insertable cardiac monitors is a clinically effective technique to screen for atrial fibrillation and superior to conventional follow-up in cryptogenic stroke. However, more studies are needed to identify factors which can help selecting patients with the highest possibility of detecting atrial fibrillation with prolonged rhythm monitoring.