Key Points
- To determine whether routine 18F-FDG PET/CT can detect persistent inflammatory activity in the atrial myocardium of patients with atrial fibrillation.
- Retrospectively analyzed 18F-FDG PET/CT scans from 37 patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and an age- and sex-matched control group without atrial fibrillation.
- Measured standardized uptake values and target-to-background ratios (TBR) in the left and right atrial walls, left ventricular wall, and right ventricular blood pool.
- Left atrial wall target-to-background ratio (TBR) was 1.21 ± 0.27 in the AF group versus 1.14 ± 0.29 in controls (p = 0.85).
- Right atrial wall TBR showed no significant difference between the AF group (1.14 ± 0.45) and control group (0.96 ± 0.20; p = 0.41).
- Left ventricular myocardial TBR did not differ between groups, and no significant correlation was found between atrial TBR and blood glucose levels.
Structured PICO
Does routine 18F-FDG PET/CT detect increased atrial inflammation in patients with atrial fibrillation compared to controls?
PPopulation37 patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and an age- and sex-matched control group with no history of AF.
IInterventionHistory of atrial fibrillation (evaluated via 18F-FDG PET/CT)
CComparatorAge- and sex-matched control group with no history of atrial fibrillation
OOutcomeTarget to background ratios (TBR) in the atrial and left ventricular walls to determine atrial inflammationsurrogate
Routine 18F-FDG PET/CT does not detect significant differences in atrial inflammatory activity between patients with and without atrial fibrillation, challenging previous reports of ongoing atrial inflammation.
Limitations
- Retrospective design
- Performed under routine conditions without myocardial glucose uptake suppression strategies