The Electroanatomic Volume of the Left Atrium as a Determinant of Recurrences in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation After Pulmonary Vein Isolation: A Prospective Study

Background/Objectives: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-established therapeutic approach for maintaining sinus rhythm, though its efficacy remains suboptimal in certain patients. The left atrium (LA) volume, commonly assessed through transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), is a recognized predictor of AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, the complex three-dimensional structure of the LA makes precise measurement challenging with traditional TTE techniques. Electroanatomic mapping (EAM) offers a more accurate evaluation of LA geometry and volume, which may enhance the prediction of ablation outcomes. Methods: This prospective study included 197 patients with AF who were referred for PVI to our center (Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain) between 2016 and 2020. All participants underwent pre-ablation TTE and EAM to assess the electric active volume (EAV) of the LA. Clinical follow-up included regular Holter monitoring and electrocardiograms to detect AF recurrences. Results: The mean age was 56.3 ± 9.67 years, and 34% had persistent AF. The mean LA volumes measured by TTE and the EAV by EAM were 62.86 ± 15.58 mL and 126.75 ± 43.35 mL, respectively, with a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). AF recurrences were observed in 51.27% of patients over a 36 ± 15-month follow-up period. Cox regression analyses (univariate and multivariate), Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to illustrate freedom from atrial arrhythmia during follow-up. Both EAV by EAM and TTE volumes were significant predictors of AF recurrence in the univariate analysis (HR 1.002 [1.001–1.003], p = 0.033 and HR 1.001 [1.006–1.012], p < 0.01, respectively). Among clinical variables, persistent AF was significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrence (HR 1.17 [1.096–1.268], p = 0.02). Conclusions: EAV of the LA assessment by EAM demonstrates a significant correlation with TTE measurements and is a predictor of AF post-ablation recurrence. In patients selected for catheter ablation, EAV by EAM provides additional insights that could contribute to therapeutic decision-making and risk stratification of AF recurrences.