Renin–angiotensin system inhibitors can suppress atrial fibrillation recurrence after encircling ipsilateral pulmonary vein isolation in patients with a non-dilated left atrium

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the effects of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) after encircling ipsilateral pulmonary veins isolation (EIPVsI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) differed between patients with non-dilated and dilated left atria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 292 consecutive patients (mean age=61±11 years, 75% males) who underwent successful EIPVsI for paroxysmal or persistent AF. RASIs' effects were compared between the patients with a non-dilated left atrium of <40 mm (n=178) and dilated left atrium of ≥40 mm (n=114). RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 18.9±12.7 months, AF recurred in 38 (21.4%) and 45 (39.5%) patients with non-dilated and dilated left atria, respectively. A multivariate Cox proportional analysis revealed that treatment with RASIs (hazard ratio (HR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.13-0.66, p=0.003), the duration of AF (HR 1.08/year, 95% CI=1.01-1.16, p=0.03), a history of hypertension (HR 2.86, 95% CI=1.21-6.85, p=0.02) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.54/10%↑, 95% CI=0.34-0.87, p=0.01) were associated with AF recurrences in patients with a non-dilated left atrium. On the other hand, only the duration of AF (HR 1.11/year, 95% CI=1.01-1.21, p=0.03) was associated with AF recurrences in those with a dilated LA, and RASIs had no effect on AF recurrences (p=0.65). CONCLUSIONS: RASIs suppressed AF recurrences after EIPVsI only in patients with a non-dilated left atrium.