Neurological complications of interatrial blocks and Bayes’ syndrome

Abstract

Interatrial blocks (IABs) are a variety of abnormalities in the interatrial conduction. Bayes’ syndrome is a clinical entity based on the association between advanced IABs and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, being atrial fibrillation (AF) the most frequent. Due to its negative effects on left atrial electromechanical function, both IABs and Bayes’ syndrome are associated with thromboembolic phenomena, causing cardiovascular and neurological complications. In regard to neurological involvement, patients with these conditions have an increased incidence of ischemic events, cognitive impairment, and dementia. These observations triggered the question whether the use of early anticoagulation therapy (before the documentation of AF) could prevent thromboembolic events in patients with IABs diagnosis. This review aims to summarize the most recent evidence describing the association of IABs and Bayes’ syndrome with neurological events. Potential early therapeutic options to prevent these undesirable clinical consequences will be also discussed.

Keywords

• Interatrial block. Bayes? syndrome. Stroke. Dementia.