Diagnostic value of STAF score in combination with D-dimer in cardioembolism

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the Score for the Targeting of Atrial Fibrillation (STAF) in combination with the serum D-dimer (DD) levels in cardioembolism(CE).This study was a retrospective case-onlystudy, consecutively including patients with acute ischemic stroke. All patients were evaluated following the STAF scoring criteria and were classified according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) etiology classification criteria. A total of 317 patients were enrolled, including 37 CE cases (11.67%). STAF ≥5 showed a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 91% for the diagnosis of CE, whereas DD >791.30 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 58% and a specificity of 78%. When the STAF was used in combination with the DD level, the sensitivity was 95%, and the specificity was 100%.STAF score is an excellent tool for the diagnosis of CE when combined with DD, and can facilitate the etiological classification of acute ischemic stroke.