CHA2DS2VASC score for predicting atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke. (4th February 2022) - Vera Sainz, A
Abstract: Funding Acknowledgements: Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Spanish Society of Cardiology Introduction: CHA2DS2-VASc Score is widely used to predict thromboembolic risk in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF). However the role of CHA2DS2-VASC score for predicting AF in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS) remains unknown. Methods: Sixty-three consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with ABCD2 scale≥4 of unknown etiology, were prospectively recruited. They were classified according to CHA2DS2-VASc Score: group 1 (score ≤ 5), and group 2 (score >5). The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of AF during clinical follow-up. Results: Twenty-six (41%) patients had a CHA2DS2VASC score > 5 (group 2). Patients in this group were older (81 ± 5.5 vs 75 ± 8 years; p < 0.001) and more frequently female (73% vs 43% p = 0.019). Patients in group 2 present more often hypertension (84% vs 43% p = 0.001), diabetes (38% vs 11%, p = 0.009), dyslipidemia 77% vs 49%, p = 0.024), and a prior history of coronary artery disease (27% vs 5%, p = 0.026). Notably, patients with higher CHA2DS2VASC showed worse left atrial ejection fraction (41.7 ± 13.1 vs 52.2 ± 15%, p = 0.009) and worse left atrial strain reservoir (21.5 ± 7.1 vs 33.8 ± 11%, p < 0.001), conduct (9.5 ± 4.8 vs 16.6 ± 8.4%;p < 0.001) and contraction (12 ± 4.6 vs 17.2 ± 7.3, p = 0.002). During follow-up AF was detected more often in group 2 (42% vs 11% p = 0.006). In multivariate analysis CHA2SD2VAS > 5 was an independent predictor of AF in patients with CS (HR 7.3 [95% CI 1.2-45.6] p = 0.032) Conclusion: A CHA2DS2VASC score >5 is an independent predictor of AF in patients with CS. This score provides a new clinical tool to inform clinicians with regards to the optimal treatment of these challenging patients