Miki K, et al. - In a cohort of consecutive neurologically asymptomatic patients who underwent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation (n=286; age 61.7 ± 10.2 [SD] years; 208 males and 78 females), researchers analyzed the features and risk factors for silent cerebral infarction (SCI), with a special focus on localization of SCI. AF duration, ankle-brachial pressure index, and left atrial (LA) abnormality, defined by the presence of spontaneous echo contrast and/or decreased LA appendage emptying velocity, were identified as significant risk factors for cardiogenic SCI. Frequent localization of SCIs in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum was evident among AF patients, for which cardiogenic mechanisms could be largely involved. The investigators concluded that SCI could be screened with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, and LA abnormality can serve as specific marker for cardiogenic SCI, offering useful information for risk stratification of SCI.