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Evaluation of electrocardiographic P wave parameters in predicting long-term atrial fibrillation in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Avaliação dos parâmetros eletrocardiográficos da onda P na predição de fibrilação atrial de longa duração em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico agudo

Abstract

Background

Electrocardiographic parameters, such as P wave peak time (PWPT), P wave duration (PWD), and P wave amplitude in lead DI, have been utilized to assess left atrial anomalies linked to the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in different cohort settings.

Objective

To compare electrocardiographic parameters, such as P waves, in predicting long-term AF risk in acute ischemic stroke cases.

Methods

The data of 231 consecutive acute ischemic stroke cases were retrospectively collected. Two independent cardiologists interpreted the electrocardiography recordings for PWPT, PWD, and P wave amplitude in lead DI. The median follow-up study period was 16 (interquartile range [IQR]: 11–24) months.

Results

In total, AF was detected in 43 (18.6%) cases. All studied P wave parameters were found to be statistically significant in cases with AF. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, dementia, left atrium volume index, PWD (razão de chances [RC]: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.058–1.184; p = 0.003), PWPT in lead DII (RC: 1.030; 95%CI: 1.010–1.050; p = 0.003), and advanced interatrial block morphology were independent predictors of long-term AF. P wave duration had the highest area under the curve value, sensitivity, and specificity for long-term AF in such cases compared with the other P wave parameters.

Conclusions

Our head-to-head comparison of well-known P wave parameters demonstrated that PWD might be the most useful P wave parameter for long-term AF in acute ischemic stroke cases.

Keywords:
p Wave; Reference Parameters; Electrocardiography; Ischemic Stroke

Resumo

Antecedentes

Parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, como tempo de pico da onda P (PWPT, na sigla em inglês), duração da onda P (PWD, na sigla em inglês) e amplitude da onda P na derivação DI, têm sido utilizados para avaliar anomalias atriais esquerdas ligadas ao desenvolvimento de fibrilação atrial (FA) em diferentes cenários de coortes.

Objetivo

Comparar os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos destas ondas P na predição do risco de FA de longo prazo em casos de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico agudo.

Métodos

Os dados de 231 casos consecutivos de AVC isquêmico agudo foram coletados retrospectivamente. Dois cardiologistas independentes interpretaram os registros eletrocardiográficos para PWPT, PWD e amplitude da onda P na derivação DI. O período médio do estudo de acompanhamento foi de 16 (intervalo interquartil [IQR, na sigla em inglês]: 11–24) meses.

Resultados

No total, FA foi detectada em 43 (18,6%) casos. Todos os parâmetros da onda P estudados foram considerados estatisticamente significativos nos casos com FA. Com base na análise de regressão logística multivariável, demência, índice de volume do átrio esquerdo, PWD (razão de chances [RC]: 1,112; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,058–1,184; p = 0,003), PWPT na derivação DII (RC: 1,030; IC95%: 1,010–1,050; p = 0,003) e avançada morfologia do bloqueio interatrial foram preditores independentes de FA de longo prazo. A PWD teve a maior área sob o valor da curva, sensibilidade e especificidade para FA de longo prazo em tais casos em comparação com os outros parâmetros da onda P.

Conclusões

Nossa comparação direta de parâmetros da onda P bem conhecidos demonstrou que a PWD pode ser o parâmetro da onda P mais útil para FA de longa duração em casos de AVC isquêmico agudo.

Palavras-chave:
Onda p; Parâmetros de Referência; Eletrocardiografia; AVC Isquêmico

INTRODUCTION

Acute stroke, which is broadly classified into either of ischemic or hemorrhagic origin, is defined as new and rapid onset clinical findings of global or focal cerebral dysfunction that usually present for ≥ 24 hours.11 Kuriakose D, Xiao Z. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Stroke: Present Status and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2020;21(20): 7609. Doi: 10.3390/ijms21207609
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21207609...
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS), which accounts for ~ 80% of all cases, is mainly caused by atherosclerosis of extracranial carotid arteries and, less commonly, by cardioembolism.11 Kuriakose D, Xiao Z. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Stroke: Present Status and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2020;21(20): 7609. Doi: 10.3390/ijms21207609
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21207609...
Remarkably, cardioembolic stroke is often more severe, extensive, and clinically significant when compared with stroke of atherosclerotic origin.22 Jickling GC, Xu H, Stamova B, et al. Signatures of cardioembolic and large-vessel ischemic stroke. Ann Neurol 2010;68(05): 681–692. Doi: 10.1002/ana.22187
https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22187...
The most common cause of cardioembolic stroke is atrial fibrillation (AF), which is associated with a 5-fold increase in the risk for AIS.22 Jickling GC, Xu H, Stamova B, et al. Signatures of cardioembolic and large-vessel ischemic stroke. Ann Neurol 2010;68(05): 681–692. Doi: 10.1002/ana.22187
https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22187...
,33 Sutamnartpong P, Dharmasaroja PA, Ratanakorn D, Arunakul I. Atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection in patients with acute ischemic stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2014;23(05):1138–1141. Doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2013.09.032
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebro...
Thus, identifying patients who present with AF is of utmost importance to appropriately manage the treatment regimens and to prevent the occurrence of future strokes. On the other hand, detecting AF is time-consuming and cumbersome for most patients, since it necessitates wearing an electrocardiography (ECG) Holter monitoring for an extended period or even an implantable loop recorder.44 Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, et al; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery(EACTS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and managementofatrialfibrillationof the European SocietyofCardiology (ESC) Developed with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC. Eur Heart J 2021;42(05):373–498. Doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa61...
Asaresult, itbecomes clinicallyapparentthatthistype of extended rhythm monitoring method should be selectively used to target the cases that are at the highest risk for AF.

Even in the absence of obvious AF, abnormalities in the left atrium (LA) are linkedtoan elevated riskof AIS and anECG can be used to detect such abnormalities noninvasively.55 He J, Tse G, Korantzopoulos P, et al. P-Wave Indices and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Stroke 2017;48(08):2066–2072. Doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.017293
https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.01...
Electrocardiographic parameters, suchasP wave peak time (PWPT), P wave duration (PWD), and P wave amplitude in lead DI, have been utilized to assess left atrial anomalies linked to the development of AF in different cohort groups.66 Park JK, Park J, Uhm JS, Joung B, Lee MH, Pak HN. Low P-wave amplitude (<0.1mV) in lead I is associated with displaced interatrial conduction and clinical recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Europace 2016;18(03):384–391. Doi: 10.1093/europace/euv028
https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euv028...
, 77 Shturman A, Bickel A, Atar S. The predictive value of P-wave duration by signal-averaged electrocardiogram in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. Isr Med Assoc J 2012;14(08):493–497, 88 Sajeev JK, Koshy AN, Dewey H, et al. Poor reliability of P-wave terminal force V1 in ischemic stroke. J Electrocardiol 2019; 52:47–52. Doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2018.11.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2...
, 99 Yıldırım E, Günay N, Bayam E, Keskin M, Ozturkeri B, Selcuk M. Relationship between paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a novel electrocardiographic parameter P wave peak time. J Electrocardiol 2019;57:81–86. Doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2019.09.006
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2...
, 1010 Burak C, Yesin M, Tanık VO, et al. Prolonged P wave peak time is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. J Electrocardiol 2019;55:138–143. Doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2019.05.015
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2...
Nevertheless, there is a limited clinical data regarding the usefulness of these parameters in predicting the risk of AF in patients with AIS. Additionally,noprior study has tested the efficacy of these parameters to indicate which AIS patients are at the highest risk for the incidence of AF in the long-term.

The main purpose of the present investigation was to comparethese P wave parameters inpredicting long-term AF risk in AIS cases.

METHODS

Data gathering

Initially, patients who were diagnosed with AIS due to extracranial carotid artery stenosis were excluded from the study. Additionally, patients with moderate to severe heart valve disease and a history of cardiac valve surgery were excluded from the investigation. Then, data of consecutive AIS cases (n = 272) who were admitted to our hospital between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively collected. In total, 32 patients were excluded due to AF, 4 had a poor-quality ECG, 3 had an implantable device pacing the atrium, and 2 did not have an ECG (n = 41). All cases were on sinus rhythm on admission and before hospital discharge. The diagnosis of AIS was confirmed by an experienced neuroradiologist using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, computed tomography angiography was applied toexclude significantcarotidartery stenosis if a stenosis > 50% was detected on Doppler ultrasonography. Clinically relevant medical data was obtained from the hospital electronic health records and from the national health record data. The protocol and design of the investigation was approved by the Ethics Committee.

ECG analysis and holter monitoring

A conventional 12-lead ECG (Schiller Cardiovit AT-102-G2 machine) with 25 mV recording was obtained for each case included in the present study. All ECG recordings were digitalized with 300 dpi scanning and 10x amplification. Two independent cardiologists interpreted the ECG recordings. The EP Calipers (EP Studios, London, UK) application was used to measure the amplitudes and time periods in the ECG recordings. P wave peak time was accepted as the time from the isoelectric line to the peak of the P wave, and it was measured in lead DII and VI. P wave duration was accepted as the longest PWD across 12 leads, and it was measured as the time interval between the end of the T-P segment (the onset of the P wave) and the return to baseline (PR interval). In case of presence of biphasic P-wave, PWD was measured by including both positive and negative deflections from baseline. P wave amplitude was measured as the amplitude in lead DI. Intra- and interobserver coefficients of variation were 3 and 5% for PWPT, 3 and 4% for PWD, and 4 and 5% for P wave amplitude in lead DI, respectively. Prolonged PWD + biphasic P-wave shape in leads III and aVF with biphasic morphology or notched morphology in lead II were accepted as an advanced interatrial block. An exemplary ECG showing the measurements of PWD, PWPT in lead DII and VI, and P wave amplitude in lead DI is presented in ►Figure 1.

Figure 1
An example of electrocardiography showing how to measure the P wave duration (PWD), P wave peak time (PWPT) in lead DII and VI, and P wave amplitude in lead DI.

Each patient was evaluated for AF with an ambulatory Holter rhythm monitoring (Schiller, Cardiovit AT-10 plus) for 72 hours. A 72-hour Holter rhythm monitoring was implemented in all AIS patients within 7 days of the index stroke event. Also, the data of the national health records were examined for each case for any AF diagnosis during the study period.

Transthoracic echocardiography and laboratory examination

A cardiac imaging specialist performed echocardiographic examinations on each patient. The left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was measured using the biplane Simpson method. LV and LA diameters were measured form the parasternal long-axis, apical 4-chamber, and apical 2-chamber views. The LA volume index was estimated using the biplane area-length method at the time of opening of the mitral valve and was corrected for body surface area.

Upon admission to our institution, all blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein. A Beckman Coulter LH 780 hematology analyzer and a Beckman Coulter LH 780 device (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA) were used to examine all blood parameters.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). To determine the normality of the data, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] for continuous variables was used. Quantitative data was represented using absolute and relative frequencies. Continuous variables were compared using either the independent Student t-test or the Mann-Whitney U-test. We used either the Pearson chi-squared test or the Fisher exact test to assess the categorical data. Using univariable logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of long-term AF were first identified. The parameters that were statistically significant in the univariable logistic regression analysis were then incorporated into a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the independent predictors of long-term AF. The cutoff value of each analyzed P wave parameter was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) values of each P wave parameter were also compared by the DeLong method. A p-value<0.05 was deemed significant in all statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Finally, 231 AIS cases were analyzed in the present investigation, 150 (64.9%) of which were males. In total, AF was detected in 43 (18.6%) cases. The median follow-up study period was 16 (IQR: 11–24) months. The patients were categorized into two groups: those who developed or who did not develop AF in the long-term follow-up.

All baseline characteristics and echocardiographic findings of the cases are listed in ►Table 1. Patients who had AF were older and the frequency of dementia was significantly greater among these patients. Other baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. For echocardiographic parameters, the two groups were different in terms of LA volume index and LA anteroposterior diameters.

Table 1
Baseline clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings of all patients according to the development of atrial fibrillation in the long-term follow-up

We also compared the laboratory and ECG findings of all patients, asindicated in ►Table 2. Onlycreatininelevelswere found to be considerably higher in AF patients. Other variables were comparable in both groups. When the ECG parameters were evaluated, all studied P wave parameters, including PWD, PWPT in lead DII and VI, and P wave amplitude in lead DI, were found to be statistically significant in cases with AF. The frequency of advanced interatrial block morphology was 25.0% (n = 47) in patients without AF and 76.7% (n = 33) in those with AF, respectively.

Table 2
Laboratory variables and electrocardiography findings of all patients according to the development of atrial fibrillation in the long-term follow-up

Table 3 shows the findings of the univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. In univariable regression, age, dementia, LA volume index, creatinine, PWD, PWPT in lead DII and VI, P wave amplitude in lead DI, and interatrial block morphology were all linked to long-term AF. These parameters were then included into the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Dementia, LA volume index, PWD (OR: 1.112; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.058–1.184; p =0.003), PWPT in lead DII (OR: 1.030; 95%CI: 1.010– 1.050; p =0.003), and advanced interatrial block morphology were all found to be independent predictors of long-term AF based on the multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Table 3
Univariable analysis and multivariable model for independent predictors of the long-term atrial fibrillation* * All clinically relevant parameters were included in the model.

When the AUC value of each P wave parameter was compared with predicting long-term AF, we found that PWD had the highest value (AUC: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.75–0.87; p <0.001), followed by PWPT in lead DII (AUC: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.68–0.81; p < 0.001), PWPT in lead VI (AUC: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.64–0.79; p < 0.001), and P wave amplitude in lead DI (AUC: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.59–0.74; p < 0.001) (►Figure 2). To predict long-term AF risk, the ideal value of PWD was > 122 milliseconds, with 76% sensitivity and 85% specificity; the ideal value of PWPT in lead DII was >60 milliseconds, with 71% sensitivity and 62% specificity; the ideal value of PWPT in lead VI was > 50 milliseconds, with 68% sensitivity and 73% specificity; and the ideal value of P wave amplitude in lead DI was > 0.11 mV, with 68% sensitivity and 73% specificity.

Figure 2
A receiver operating characteristic curve comparison of P wave duration (PWD), P wave peak time (PWPT) in lead DII and VI, and P wave amplitude in lead DI to predict long-term atrial fibrillation.

DISCUSSION

The present study was the first investigation to compare well-known electrocardiographic P wave parameters in predicting long-term AF in AIS cases. According to the results of the present study, we found that PWD had the highest AUC value, sensitivity, and specificity for long-term AF in AIS cases compared with the other electrocardiographic P wave parameters, including PWPT in lead DII, PWPT in lead VI, and P wave amplitude in lead DI. Additionally, only PWD and PWPT in lead DII were independently linked with long-term AF in AIS cases.

Currently, AIS is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing and developed countries.11 Kuriakose D, Xiao Z. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Stroke: Present Status and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2020;21(20): 7609. Doi: 10.3390/ijms21207609
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21207609...
In patients who present with AIS, cardiac arrhythmias, especially AF, are one of the main underlying causes of stroke due to cardioembolism.1111 Kamel H, Healey JS. Cardioembolic Stroke. Circ Res. 2017; 120: 514–526. Kamel H, Healey JS. Cardioembolic Stroke. Circ Res 2017;120(03):514–526. Doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308407 Thus, detecting AF and adopting an appropriate anticoagulation strategy can decrease dramatically the risk of stroke.1212 Hylek EM, Go AS, Chang Y, et al. Effect of intensity of oral anticoagulation on stroke severity and mortality in atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 2003;349(11):1019–1026. Doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa022913
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa022913...
Specially, as a cheap and easy diagnostic test, the role of ECG in this task can decrease health-related costs and help focus on limited resources, like ambulatory Holter rhythm monitoring, where they are needed.

On ECG, P wave is indicative of atrial depolarization, which originates from the sinoatrial node in proximity to the right atrium (RA), follows the interatrial conduction pathways, and depolarizes the LA.1313 Cokkinos DV, Leachman RD, Zamalloa O, Cabrera R, Ferrer MI. Influence of atrial mass on amplitude and duration of the P wave. Chest 1972;61(04):336–339. Doi: 10.1378/chest.61.4.336
https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.61.4.336...
Any disturbances or modifications to this pathway may present themselves as a prolongation of PWD on the ECG, and studies have shown that prolonged PWD might represent the presence of atrial myopathy. In some studies, PWD had been linked to AIS.55 He J, Tse G, Korantzopoulos P, et al. P-Wave Indices and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Stroke 2017;48(08):2066–2072. Doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.017293
https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.01...
,88 Sajeev JK, Koshy AN, Dewey H, et al. Poor reliability of P-wave terminal force V1 in ischemic stroke. J Electrocardiol 2019; 52:47–52. Doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2018.11.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2...
Nevertheless, Kocer et al found that AIS patients and control subjects might have similar PWD.1414 Kocer A, Barutcu I, Atakay S, Ozdemirli B, Gul L, Karakaya O. P wave duration changes and dispersion. A risk factor or autonomic dysfunction in stroke? Neurosciences (Riyadh) 2009;14(01):14–18 Besides that, in a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of P wave indices, PWD was not found to be linked with AIS.55 He J, Tse G, Korantzopoulos P, et al. P-Wave Indices and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Stroke 2017;48(08):2066–2072. Doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.017293
https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.01...
In our study, PWD was showntobelonger inAIS caseswhohadAFthaninthosewho did not have AF. When compared with the other P wave parameters, PWD had the greatest AUC value for predicting AF over the long-term. Remarkably, PWD was also found to be independently associated with the presence of AF in patients with AIS. Furthermore, advanced interatrial block morphology was observed more frequently in the AIS patient group who developed AF.

Another ECG parameter investigated in the present study was PWPT. Although a normal P wave reflects depolarization of both atriums, the LA depolarization accounts for the majority of P wave amplitude since it has a larger mass than the RA.1313 Cokkinos DV, Leachman RD, Zamalloa O, Cabrera R, Ferrer MI. Influence of atrial mass on amplitude and duration of the P wave. Chest 1972;61(04):336–339. Doi: 10.1378/chest.61.4.336
https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.61.4.336...
As a result, the later the peak in the P wave can be noticed since it takes longer for the action potential to reach the LA. Yıldırım et al previously reported that even while PWPT in lead VI and DII were longer in the AF group, only PWPT in lead VI was a predictive of paroxysmal AF in patients with AF history.99 Yıldırım E, Günay N, Bayam E, Keskin M, Ozturkeri B, Selcuk M. Relationship between paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a novel electrocardiographic parameter P wave peak time. J Electrocardiol 2019;57:81–86. Doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2019.09.006
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2...
By contrast, Burak et al found that only PWPT in lead DII was associated with more extensive coronary atherosclerosis in acute coronary syndrome patients.1010 Burak C, Yesin M, Tanık VO, et al. Prolonged P wave peak time is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. J Electrocardiol 2019;55:138–143. Doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2019.05.015
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2...
However, there is a lack of data regarding PWPT for long-term AF risk in patients with AIS. In this study, we found that only PWPT in lead DII was an independent predictor of the long-term AF in AIS. On the other hand, its AUC value, sensitivity, and specificity for long-term AF were slightly lower compared with PWD.

Last electrocardiographic P wave parameter analyzed in this investigation was P wave amplitude in lead DI. As it was mentioned previously, most of the P wave amplitude results from left atrial depolarization. So, a higher P wave voltage in lead DI can mean that both atriums depolarize synchronously and normally.1515 Hayashi H, Miyamoto A, Kawaguchi T, et al. P-pulmonale and the development of atrial fibrillation. Circ J 2014;78(02):329–337. Doi: 10.1253/circj.cj-13-0654
https://doi.org/10.1253/circj.cj-13-0654...
Park et al previously showed that low P wave amplitude in lead DI was suggestive of misplaced interatrial conduction and could predict paroxysmal AF recurrence following catheter ablation.66 Park JK, Park J, Uhm JS, Joung B, Lee MH, Pak HN. Low P-wave amplitude (<0.1mV) in lead I is associated with displaced interatrial conduction and clinical recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Europace 2016;18(03):384–391. Doi: 10.1093/europace/euv028
https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euv028...
Goreneket alfound that low P wave amplitude in lead DI can predict immediate recurrence of AF after external cardioversion.1616 Gorenek B, Birdane A, Kudaiberdieva G, et al. P wave amplitude and duration may predict immediate recurrence of atrial fibrillation after internal cardioversion. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2003;8(03):215–218. Doi: 10.1046/j.1542-474x.2003.08308.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1542-474x.2003...
Moreover, Alexander et al demonstrated that lowP wave amplitudeinleadDIwas linked to new-onset AF in the ACS population.1717 Alexander B, Haseeb S, van Rooy H, et al. Reduced P-wave Voltage in Lead I is Associated with Development of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. J Atr Fibrillation 2017;10 (04):1657. Doi: 10.4022/jafib.1657
https://doi.org/10.4022/jafib.1657...
In our investigation, this P wave index was not shown to be associated with long-term AF in AIS cases. In addition, when compared with PWD, PWPT in lead DII and VI, it had the lowest AUC value, sensitivity, and specificity for long-term AF.

In our study, although PWD and PWPT in lead DII has been found to be independent predictors of long-term AF, the clinical importance of them appears to lower compared with the LA volume index and interatrial block. Therefore, new clinical score systems can be formed to increase the clinical value of these ECG parameters.

LIMITATIONS

Our investigation had some limitations. First, the study was retrospectiveinnature, which couldbe acceptedas the major limitation. Second, because consecutive AIS patients from a single center were recruited, it might limit the applicability of the results to a wider population and create a predisposition to selection bias. But, this limitation might be alleviated by our relatively large study participants. Third, although a 72 hours Holter monitoring was applied for each case enrolled in the study, we did not utilize implantable loop recorders or wearable rhythm monitors, which could offer superior utility then the limited time analysis offered by ambulatory Holter rhythm monitoring. Finally, even though ECG recordings were anonymously analyzed by two expert cardiologists, computer analyses of the traces were not performed, and this might lead to human error in analyses.

In conclusion, our head to head comparison of well-known P wave indices demonstrated that PWD had the highest AUC value, sensitivity, and specificity for long-term AF when compared with the other electrocardiographic P wave indices, including PWPT in lead DII, PWPT in lead VI, and P wave amplitude in lead DI. In addition, we consider that AIS patients with prolonged PWD and PWPT in lead DII may be at the highest risk of AF during the long-term period. Thus, more vigilant follow up for AF among these patients should be commenced.

References

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    Kuriakose D, Xiao Z. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Stroke: Present Status and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2020;21(20): 7609. Doi: 10.3390/ijms21207609
    » https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21207609
  • 2
    Jickling GC, Xu H, Stamova B, et al. Signatures of cardioembolic and large-vessel ischemic stroke. Ann Neurol 2010;68(05): 681–692. Doi: 10.1002/ana.22187
    » https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22187
  • 3
    Sutamnartpong P, Dharmasaroja PA, Ratanakorn D, Arunakul I. Atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection in patients with acute ischemic stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2014;23(05):1138–1141. Doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2013.09.032
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2013.09.032
  • 4
    Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, et al; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery(EACTS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and managementofatrialfibrillationof the European SocietyofCardiology (ESC) Developed with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC. Eur Heart J 2021;42(05):373–498. Doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612
    » https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612
  • 5
    He J, Tse G, Korantzopoulos P, et al. P-Wave Indices and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Stroke 2017;48(08):2066–2072. Doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.017293
    » https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.017293
  • 6
    Park JK, Park J, Uhm JS, Joung B, Lee MH, Pak HN. Low P-wave amplitude (<0.1mV) in lead I is associated with displaced interatrial conduction and clinical recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Europace 2016;18(03):384–391. Doi: 10.1093/europace/euv028
    » https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euv028
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    Shturman A, Bickel A, Atar S. The predictive value of P-wave duration by signal-averaged electrocardiogram in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. Isr Med Assoc J 2012;14(08):493–497
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    Sajeev JK, Koshy AN, Dewey H, et al. Poor reliability of P-wave terminal force V1 in ischemic stroke. J Electrocardiol 2019; 52:47–52. Doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2018.11.007
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2018.11.007
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    23 Jan 2023
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    27 Aug 2021
  • Accepted
    16 Oct 2021
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