Key Teaching Points
Many patients with cryptogenic stroke are suspected to have underlying paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, in the absence of proven AF, anticoagulation of these patients has not been shown to prevent recurrent ischemic strokes and may result in excess bleeding compared with aspirin.
The artificial intelligence–enabled electrocardiogram (AI-ECG) may identify patients with a particularly high likelihood of concomitant AF in the setting of sinus rhythm.
AI-ECG may serve as an AF/atrial myopathy risk marker and could influence management of patients with cryptogenic stroke. Further study will be required to evaluate and validate the clinical utility of AI-ECG in patient care.