January 1, 2020In VivoOpen Access

Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation in Dependence of Left Atrial Volume Index

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Why the study?

Despite treatment advances, AF recurrence remains over 50%, prompting this study to determine recurrence after cardioversion or catheter ablation in dependence of diastolic dysfunction and LAVI.

Do left atrial volume index and diastolic dysfunction predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after cardioversion or catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation?

Structured PICO

Do left atrial volume index and diastolic dysfunction predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after cardioversion or catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation?

Population

162 patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing either cardioversion (CV) or catheter ablation (pulmonary vein isolation; PVI)

Intervention

Cardioversion or catheter ablation (pulmonary vein isolation)

Outcome

Recurrence of atrial fibrillation occurring 3 months following the procedurehard clinical

Left atrial volume index >36 ml/m² and diastolic dysfunction are strong independent predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after cardioversion or pulmonary vein isolation, which may help guide the timing of rhythm control strategies.

Implication

LAVI and diastolic dysfunction may stratify post-procedure AF recurrence risk; leaves open prospective validation before guiding rhythm control.

Abstract

Background/Aim: Despite advances in the treatment strategies of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the risk of AF recurrences is still over 50%. An increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) reflects left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) and deterioration of the LA function. This study aims to determine AF recurrence following cardioversion (CV) or catheter ablation for AF (pulmonary vein isolation; PVI) in dependence of DD and LAVI. Patients and Methods: One hundred and sixty-two patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF in whom either CV or PVI were performed were included and followed over a mean of 22.9±3.8 months. Recurrence was defined as any recurrence of AF that occurred 3 months following the procedure. DD and LAVI were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Results: Recurrent AF occurred in 100 (61.7%) patients, predominantly following CV [CV 41 (76.2%) vs. PVI 59 (54.6%), p<0.0001]. Both DD and an increased LAVI were more common in the recurrence-group [DD 46.0% vs. 14.5%, p=0.0001; LAVI (ml/m²) 49.0±18.6 vs. 26.3±7.0, p<0.0001]. ROC analysis revealed LAVI>36 ml/m² as cut-off (p<0.0001, AUC=0.92, 95%CI=0.87-0.97, sensitivity=76%, specificity=94%). In the multivariate analysis, DD (HR=1.6, 95%CI=1.3-2.1, p=0.04) and LA enlargement (defined as LAVI>36 ml/m² with HR=2.1, 95%CI=1.8-2.7, p<0.0001) could be identified as independent predictors of AF recurrence after attempting to control the heart rhythm. Conclusion: LA enlargement and DD are independent risk factors associated with AF recurrence after initial successful rhythm control attempt. These findings have implications for timing of either ablation or CV.