AssesSment of the left atrial appendage morphoLogy in patients aAfter ischaeMic Stroke - the ASSAM study protocol

Stroke remains the most dangerous and frightening complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). A causal relationship between ischaemic stroke and atrial arrhythmias such as AF or atrial flutter has been well established. Numerous factors predisposing to peripheral embolism in patients with AF have been well established and included in the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score. Although proper anticoagulation minimises the risk attributable to "known" risk factors, stroke may still occur. Thus, "unknown" risk factors may play an important role in stroke risk stratification in patients with AF. We assume that one of the important "unknown" risk factor is the left atrial appendage morphology. The ASSAM study is planned to include 100 patients after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and known status of anticoagulation at the time of stroke. The control group will consist of 100 patients scheduled for AF ablation without a history of stroke or TIA.