Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Routine EEG Recordings

Background: A one-channel electrocardiogram (ECG) channel is recommended during electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings principally to help establish ECG or pulse wave contamination of the ECG EEG. However, the ECG recording, in itself, provides useful clinical information, principally the detection of arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation (AF), which indicates heart disease that can predispose to embolic stroke and systemic embolism. We sought to determine the prevalence of AF routine recordings in our EEG laboratory in a general hospital. Methods: We reviewed the consecutive EEG reports for the past 7 years to determine how often AF was detected in various age groups. Results: We found AF in 0-0.2% per decade of life until age 60-69 years, 2.7% for 70-79 years, 5% for 80-89 years, and 8% for 90-99 years. Conclusion: We suggest that the ECG trace should be carefully analyzed for AF, especially in patients over 60 years of age. When detected, it should be brought to the referring doctor's attention.