Prevalence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with cerebrovascular stroke of undetermined etiology

Abstract

Abstract Background cerebrovascular stroke is major cause of morbidity and disability. Many causes may contribute to its presence, however. Some patients have none of the identified risk factors, yet face the consequences of stroke or transit ischemic attack. This type of stroke known to be stroke of undetermined source or etiology. It has a high rate of recurrence due to the persistence of the unknown etiology. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation remains the hidden bottom of an iceberg representing a major part of the causes of ischemic cerebrovascular stroke of undetermined etiology . Aim and Objectives: to determine the prevalence of subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular stroke of undetermined etiology in a population in Egypt by 48h holter monitoring. Patients and Methods Patients diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular stroke of undetermined etiology at the neurology department of Ain Shams university hospitals underwent 48 hours holter monitoring within the first week of the insulting event. Results This study included 50 patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS) who underwent 48 hours holter monitoring. The patients' ages ranged between 22 and 77 years old (mean age 48.46 ± 12.74years). This study included 34 males and 16 females. Their body mass index BMI ranges from 21-35 kg/m2, with mean BMI of 24.78 ± 2.99 kg/m2. Their left atrial diameter ranges from 26-47mm, with mean diameter of 36.08 ± 5.23mm .Eight out of fifty patients newly diagnosed with subclinical atrial fibrillation with prevalence of 16%. There was statistically significant association between the atrial fibrillation (AF) and both age (p value, 009) and left atrial (LA) diameter (p value, 001) .There was an associated finding that need further investigation about the significant association between the ventricular ectopic beat VEB burden and the presence of AF or stroke. Conclusion The prevalence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation among the population of ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology in a population in Egypt is close to worldwide percentage and the recent met analysis studies of 11%.