Cardiac thromboembolism attributed to atrial fibrillation (AF), the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia, is responsible for up to one-third of ischemic strokes.~Several factors have been proposed to predict AF, as findings in 12-lead ECG (electrocardiogram) or Holter ECG, epidemiological or echocardiographic parameters.~The main purpose of this research project is to test the diagnostic accuracy of the atrial electromechanical conduction time, measured as septal total atrial conduction time sPA-TDI, an echocardiographic parameter, and the LaHAsPa-Score, which is based on patient characteristics and echocardiographic measurements for the detection of AF in patients diagnosed with ESUS or TIA, utilizing a 7-day ambulatory ECG monitor and incidental detection of AF during a two-year follow-up period, including detection via implantable cardiac monitor or pacemaker, if applicable.~Other echocardiographic measurements including left atrial volume index (area-length method), atrial electromechanical delay, left atrial myocardial strain together with laboratory, 12-channel ECG, Holter ECG findings, and established risk scores will be compared to the main parameters of interest.~The investigators expect that the results will help with better risk stratification and targeted monitoring periods for atrial fibrillation in patients with ESUS or TIA.
This prospective study aims to identify the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiographic predictors of atrial fibrillation in patients with ESUS (embolic stroke of undetermined source) or TIA (transient ischemic attack).