Evaluation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Detection Using Short-Term Monitoring With an Insertable Cardiac Monitor in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke: Initial Clinical Results

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a major cause of cryptogenic stroke (CS), and its detection and treatment are essential for secondary stroke prevention. Insertable cardiac monitors (ICM) are clinically effective tools for screening atrial fibrillation (AF), offering superior diagnostic capabilities compared to conventional short-term electrocardiographic monitoring. The present investigation was conducted as a very small case series (n=3). We conducted a one-year limited implantation of an ICM to evaluate the detection rate of PAF through short-term electrocardiographic monitoring and to assess patient perceptions. The present case report was carried out as part of a single-center, prospective observational study aimed at short-term ICM monitoring (within one year) in patients with CS. Among the three cases included, PAF was detected in two patients, and all ICMs were removed within one year of implantation. In some cases, patients reported a reduction in foreign body sensation following device removal. All patients indicated that short-term monitoring with ICM was favorable. These findings suggest that short-term ICM monitoring not only aids in PAF detection but may also reduce the analytical workload for healthcare professionals by limiting the duration of data management.