Frequency of systemic embolic events in patients presenting with atrial fibrillation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is well recognized, but data from a new study published in Circulation now indicate that AF is also associated with an increased risk of extracranial systemic embolic events, and that these thromboembolic events confer high morbidity and mortality.
 AIM & OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of systemic embolic events in patients presenting with atrial fibrillation
 MATERIAL & METHODS: It was a cross sectional study conducted at Cardiology Ward, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore for the period of six months i.e. from 1st December 2016 to 31st May 2017. Total 241 patients who will fulfil the selection criteria were enrolled in the study from emergency of PIC, Lahore. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Their demographic information was also noted. Then patients had undergone venogram for assessment of presence or absence of embolism. All venogram were done by single senior radiologist having at least 4 years’ experience. Reports were assessed and systemic embolism was noted. All this information was recorded on proforma. Patients diagnosed with embolism were managed as per hospital protocol.
 RESULTS: In this study systemic embolism events were diagnosed in 101(41.91%) patients who presented with AF. These systemic embolism events did not show any statistically significant association with age, gender (male patients with higher frequency for systemic embolism events p-value=0.566), duration of AF (frequency of systemic embolism events was higher in patients with longer duration of AF p-value=0.254) and diabetic history (frequency of systemic embolism events was higher in patients without diabetes, p-value=0.892)
 CONCLUSION: Results of this study demonstrated a high frequency of systemic embolism in patients presenting with AF. In routine practice systemic embolism often remain unfocused. So it is strongly suggested that as this condition have a potential impact on high morbidity, mortality, and financial healthcare so it should be managed as aggressively as stroke.
 KEY WORDS: Systemic, Embolic events, Atrial fibrillation