Persistence of left atrial abnormalities despite left atrial volume normalization after successful ablation of atrial fibrillation

Figures

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  FIGURE 1. Selection of patients in this study. The final analysis was based on data from 140 patients who maintained sinus rhythm for 1 y after initial AF ablation and were evaluated by adequate echocardiography at baseline and the time of follow‐up. AF, atrial fibrillation; LAVI, left atrial volume index; RFCA, radiofrequency catheter ablation

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  FIGURE 2. A representative case of LA reverse remodeling by restored sinus rhythm after initial AF ablation. LA volume was normalized (LAVI<34 mL/m2) and both LA pump and LA reservoir strains were improved at the time of follow‐up. AF, atrial fibrillation; LA, left atrium; LAVI, left atrial volume index

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  FIGURE 3. LA structural (LA diameter and LAVI) and functional parameters (LA pump and LA reservoir strains) at baseline and follow‐up. All LA parameters were significantly improved after initial AF ablation. AF, atrial fibrillation; LA, left atrium; LAVI, left atrial volume index

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  FIGURE 4. Time course of LA volume abnormality at baseline and follow‐up. After initial AF ablation, 114 patients (81%) achieved LA volume improvement, and 75 patients (54%) achieved normal LA volume at the time of follow‐up. There were 26 patients (19%) with no change or deterioration of LA volume abnormality. AF, atrial fibrillation; LA, left atrium; LAVI, left atrial volume index

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  FIGURE 5. Kaplan‐Meier event‐free curves in 140 patients after initial AF ablation. Patients were divided into three groups based on the course of LA volume abnormality after initial AF ablation shown in Figure 3. AF, atrial fibrillation; LA, left atrium

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  FIGURE 6. Comparison of LA structural (LA diameter and LAVI) and functional (LA pump and LA reservoir strains) parameters between AF patients and control subjects. AF, atrial fibrillation; LA, left atrium; LAVI, left atrial volume index