Association of Electrocardiographic P-Wave Markers and Atrial Fibrillation in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

Abstract

Background: Several P-wave indices are thought to represent underlying atrial remodeling and have been associated with ischaemic stroke even in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the utility of these P-wave indices in predicting outcomes in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) has not been studied. The aim of this study is to examine these different P-wave indices towards predicting new-onset AF and stroke recurrence in a cohort of patients with ESUS, thereby demonstrating the value of these electrocardiographic markers for stroke risk stratification.

Methods: Between October 2014 and October 2017, consecutive patients diagnosed with ESUS were followed for new-onset AF and ischaemic stroke recurrence. The various P-wave indices, namely, the P-terminal force in the precordial lead V1 (PTFV1), P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, interatrial blocks, and P-wave axis, were assessed on the initial electrocardiogram on presentation and studied for their relation to eventual AF detection and recurrent stroke.

Results: 181 ischaemic stroke patients with ESUS were recruited and followed up for a median duration of 2.1 years. An abnormal PTFV1 was associated with occult AF detection but not with recurrent ischaemic strokes. No significant association was observed between the other P-wave indices with either occult AF or stroke recurrence.

Conclusion: PTFV1 is associated with AF detection but not recurrent strokes in ESUS patients and can be a useful electrocardiographic marker for further risk stratification in ESUS patients.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Cerebrovascular disease/stroke; Electrocardiogram; Embolism; Ischaemic stroke; P-wave.