CHA2DS2VASC Score for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke

IntroductionCHA2DS2-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.MethodsSixty-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.ResultsTwenty-six (41%) patients had a CHA2DS2VASC score > 5 (group 2). Patients in this group were older (81±5.5 vs 75±8 years; p 5 was an independent predictor of AF in patients with CS (HR 7.3 [95% CI 1.2-45.6] p = 0.032) ConclusionA 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