Wasser K, Weber-Krüger M, Gröschel S, et al. - Since diagnosing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) can be challenging after acute ischemic stroke, researchers determined whether brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) can help to identify patients with stroke at high risk for pAF in order to select patients for enhanced and prolonged Holter-ECG monitoring (EPM) more efficiently. For this investigation, acute cerebral ischemia patients aged ≥ 60 years presenting in sinus rhythm and without a history of AF were randomized to receive either EPM (3× 10-day Holter-ECG) or usual stroke care diagnostic work-up. In total, 398 individuals were examined. BNP assessed early after ischemic stroke was shown to identify a subgroup of patients at increased risk of AF with stroke, in which EPM is especially effective.