Use of Prolonged Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring to Identify Atrial Fibrillation After Cryptogenic Stroke

Purpose of Review Prolonged cardiac monitoring (PCM) improves detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryptogenic stroke. We summarize current research supporting the use of PCM as part of the cryptogenic stroke evaluation, while highlighting areas that require more investigation. Recent Findings Despite increased AF detection with longer durations of PCM, more definitive research is needed to demonstrate how PCM improves clinical outcomes. The optimal type, timing, and length of cardiac monitoring after cryptogenic stoke remains unknown. Clinical calculators will be important to risk stratify which cryptogenic stroke patients are most likely to benefit from PCM. Currently, AF detection after cryptogenic stroke should prompt consideration of anticoagulation, but it is unclear if all durations and timing of AF after stroke should be treated the same. PCM remains an important part of the cryptogenic stroke work up, and detection of AF allows for anticoagulation initiation. Additional research is needed to further refine our application of PCM to cryptogenic stroke.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the current research on the use of prolonged cardiac monitoring (PCM) for detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryptogenic stroke. While PCM improves AF detection, further research is needed to demonstrate its impact on clinical outcomes. The optimal type, timing, and length of cardiac monitoring after cryptogenic stroke remains unknown. Clinical calculators may help identify which patients would benefit most from PCM. PCM remains an important part of evaluating cryptogenic stroke, as detection of AF allows for anticoagulation initiation.