AF episodes were detected via continuous monitoring with ICMs in approximately 1 of every 5 CS patients within 2years of follow-up. The vast majority of patients with AF would not have been detected with conventional external ambulatory monitors. ICMs should therefore be considered in the evaluation of CS patients.

Background: The characteristics of atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes in cryptogenic stroke patients have recently been explored in carefully selected patient populations. However, the incidence of AF among a large, real-world population of patients with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) placed for the detection of AF following a cryptogenic stroke has not been investigated. Methods: Patients in the de-identified Medtronic DiscoveryLink™ database who received an ICM (Reveal LINQ™) for the purpose of AF detection following a cryptogenic stroke were included. AF detection rates (episodes ≥2 min) were quantified using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 1 and 6 months and compared to the CRYSTAL AF study at 6 months. The time to AF detection and maximum duration of AF episodes were also analyzed. Results: A total of 1,247 patients (age 65.3 ± 13.0 years) were followed for 182 (IQR 182-182) days. A total of 1,521 AF episodes were detected in 147 patients, resulting in AF detection rates of 4.6 and 12.2% at 30 and 182 days, respectively, and representing a 37% relative increase over that reported in the CRYSTAL AF trial at 6 months. The median time to AF detection was 58 (IQR 11-101) days and the median duration of the longest detected AF episode was 3.4 (IQR 0.4-11.8) h. Conclusions: The real-world incidence of AF among patients being monitored with an ICM after a cryptogenic stroke validates the findings of the CRYSTAL AF trial and suggests that continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring for periods longer than the current guideline recommendation of 30 days may be warranted in the evaluation of patients with cryptogenic stroke.

Identifying occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as the etiology of cryptogenic stroke has been a top research priority in the past decade. This is because prompt initiation of anticoagulation has significantly decreased subsequent stroke risk. Available evidence suggests that prolonged cardiac monitoring after stroke increases the likelihood of detecting atrial fibrillation. However, further research is required to fill in the gaps in regard to the optimal period of monitoring, candidates for monitoring, etc. Here, we review the current evidence supporting the use of prolonged monitoring for cryptogenic stroke patients and discuss the directions of future research.

BACKGROUND Warfarin reduces stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, its narrow therapeutic index and need for chronic monitoring are barriers to its optimal utilization in many patients. The recent introduction of 3 novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), as alternatives to warfarin, may change the eligibility and management of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who require systemic anticoagulation. PURPOSE To summarize contemporary indications for anticoagulation in NVAF, and to help provide patient‐centered clinical decision making for selecting warfarin or 1 of the NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) based on randomized trials and mechanistic data for each drug. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION The primary clinical outcome trials of warfarin and the NOACs, pharmacologic studies, and briefing documents from the US Food and Drug Administration were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS In randomized trials, NOACs were consistently noninferior to warfarin for reducing stroke or systemic embolism in patients with NVAF, with reductions in intracranial bleeding as well. However, NOACs have several important drug‐drug interactions, exclusion criteria for specific patient subgroups (eg, severe renal disease), and each medication may have a different impact on other clinical outcomes such as myocardial infarction or gastrointestinal bleeding. Benefits of the new drugs are particularly pronounced when international normalized ratio levels on warfarin are labile. CONCLUSIONS Warfarin continues to play an important role in the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in NVAF. Among selected patients, the use of NOACs provides equal or superior benefit, without the need for chronic anticoagulation monitoring or ongoing dose titration. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:400–406. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine

We report a case of infra-nodal complete heart block and cardiogenic shock in a previously healthy 64-year-old man after administration of 180 mg of intravenous Propofol. Although bradycardia, hypotension, and heart block are commonly seen with propofol administration, such findings are transient and respond quickly to administration of vagolytic or sympathomimetic agents suggesting an AV nodal mechanism of heart block. Sustained left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiogenic shock by an alternative, non-autonomic mechanism has also been described in the setting of Propofol administration. Our case is the first to note sustained complete infra-nodal heart block in this setting. Early recognition of such a complication, restoration of atrio-ventricular (A-V) synchrony with dual chamber pacing, and aggressive circulatory support is essential in bridging such patients to recovery.