Central Illustration.

ICM-Detected AF Following CS and Risk of Recurrent Ischemic Events

In this retrospective study of 840 consecutive patients undergoing ICM implantation after CS, most recurrent strokes in this population occurred in patients with no AF ever detected, challenging the notion that most recurrent strokes in this population may be due to undetected AF. The likelihood of recurrent stroke was increased in patients with AF detected, despite most patients with AF being started on AC, regardless of duration. In exploratory subgroup analysis, patients <65 years of age and with a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score <4 may represent a low-risk group in whom deferral of ICM implantation may be reasonable. CHA₂DS₂-VASc = Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes, history of Stroke or transient ischemic attack, VAscular disease, Age 65-74 years, and Sex category (female); CS = cryptogenic stroke; ICM = insertable cardiac monitor; other abbreviation as in Figure 1.