scholarly journals Left atrial strain imaging evaluation: a strong predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after single-procedure catheter ablation

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Garcia Bras ◽  
P Silva Cunha ◽  
G Portugal ◽  
M Coutinho Cruz ◽  
B Valente ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Identification of predictors of arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a clinically relevant issue. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a readily accessible exam that can be useful in estimating left atrial (LA) mechanical function. The aim of this study was to evaluate LA structure and LA strain imaging at baseline and its association with AF recurrence after an index AF catheter ablation. Methods: Analysis of patients with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent AF who underwent a single-procedure for AF ablation between 2015 and 2019 and had performed TTE in our centre prior to AF ablation. LA parameters were assessed by 2D speckle-tracking at baseline. LA diameter index (LAVi), LA ejection fraction, LA phasic strain: reservoir (LASr), conduit (LAScd) and contraction phases (LASct), as well as integrated backscatter (IBS) values were analysed. AF recurrence was documented with 12-lead ECG, 24h Holter monitoring, external loop recorder or pacemaker analysis during a 12-month follow-up period. Results: Of a total of 106 patients, 28 patients were excluded due to poor image quality. We studied 78 patients who underwent pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) (age 59 ± 14 years, 65% male, 40% with structural heart disease, 69% paroxysmal AF) with cryoballoon ablation in 53% and radiofrequency ablation in 47%. In a 12-month follow-up there was a 28% (22 patients) AF recurrence rate. Patients with AF recurrence had a baseline significantly superior LAVi (47 ± 17 mL/m2 vs. 36 ± 12 mL/m2, adjusted HR 1.04 [95% CI 1.01-1.06], p = 0.002) and lower estimated LA ejection fraction (25 ± 19.7% vs. 45.4 ± 21%, adjusted HR 0.96 [95% CI 0.94-0.98], p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that baseline LA strain parameters were independent predictors of AF recurrence, as patients with AF recurrence showed impaired LASr (9.81 ± 5.79% vs 22.94 ± 9.98%, adjusted HR 0.81 [95% CI 0.73-0.89], p < 0.001) and LAScd (-6.74 ± 4.11% vs. -11.85 ± 7%, adjusted HR 1.11 [95% CI 1.03-1.19], p = 0.004). In patients in sinus rhythm during baseline TTE, LASct also correlated with AF recurrence, as patients with recurrence also showed impaired baseline LASct (-7.49 ± 3.65% vs -13.74 ± 5.4%, adjusted HR 1.39 [95% CI 1.11-1.75], p = 0.005). LASr <18% showed a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 70% to predict AF recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curves (figure 1) showed that patients with LASr below the 18% cut-off had a significantly higher rate of AF recurrence. Baseline IBS did not reveal significant differences in AF recurrence (111.2 ± 23.9 dB vs. 105.9 ± 33.5 dB, HR 1.007 [0.993-1.002], p = 0.349). Conclusion: Baseline LA strain imaging parameters, including reservoir phase LA strain, were demonstrated to be independent predictors of AF recurrence after PVI. A LASr <18% showed good accuracy to predict AF recurrence. Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curves - time to recurrence

Author(s):  
Maryam E. Rettmann ◽  
David R. Holmes III ◽  
Kristi H. Monahan ◽  
Jerome F. Breen ◽  
Tristram D. Bahnson ◽  
...  

Background - The Catheter Ablation versus Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation (CABANA) trial was a randomized, prospective trial of left atrial catheter ablation versus drug therapy for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). As part of CABANA, a prospective imaging sub-study was conducted. The main objectives were to describe the patterns of changes in the dimensions of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs), and the relationship between these changes with treatment assignment and clinical outcomes. Methods - CT or MRI was acquired at baseline and follow-up in 121 ablation (median follow-up 101 days) and 85 drug patients (median follow-up 97 days). Left atrial volume index (LAVI), mean PV ostial diameter (MPV) , and ostial diameters of each PV separately were computed. We examined the relationship between the change from baseline to follow-up with subsequent clinical outcomes (composite of death, disabling stroke, serious bleeding, or cardiac arrest [CABANA primary endpoint], total mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization, first AF recurrence after the 90 day blanking period, first AF/atrial flutter/ atrial tachycardia after the 90 day blanking period) using Cox proportional-hazards models. Results - The median (25 th , 75 th ) change from baseline for LAVI was -7.8 mL/m 2 (-16.4, 0.2), ablation arm and -3.5 mL/m 2 (-11.4, 2.6), drug therapy arm. The LAVI decreased in 52.9% of ablation patients versus 40.0% of drug therapy patients. Change for MPV was -2.7 mm (-4.2, -1.3) in the ablation arm versus -0.1 mm (-1.5, 0.8) in the drug therapy arm. Changes in LA and PV dimensions had no consistent relationship with the risk of developing the study primary endpoint. Reductions in LAVI, and in MPV diameter were associated with decreased risk of AF recurrence. Conclusions - Ablation patients demonstrated more frequent and larger atrial structural changes compared with drug patients. These changes suggest a critical relationship between structural features and AF generation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Songnan Wen ◽  
Manasawee Indrabhinduwat ◽  
Peter A. Brady ◽  
Cristina Pislaru ◽  
Fletcher A. Miller ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Left atrial (LA) function can be impaired by the atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and might be associated with the risk of recurrence. We sought to determine whether the post-procedural changes in LA function impact the risk of recurrence following AF ablation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent AF ablation between 2009 and 2011 and underwent transthoracic echocardiography before ablation, 1-day and 3-month after ablation. Peak left atrial contraction strain (PACS) and left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) were evaluated during sinus rhythm and compared across the three time points. The primary endpoint was atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after ablation. Results A total of 144 patients were enrolled (mean age 61 ± 11 years, 77% male, 46% persistent AF). PACS and LAEF initially decreased 1-day following ablation but partially recovered within 3 months in PAF patients, with a similar trend in the PerAF patients. After median 24 months follow-up, 68 (47%) patients had recurrence. Patients with recurrence had higher PACS1-day than that in non-recurrence subjects (-10.9 ± 5.0% vs. -13.4 ± 4.7%, p = 0.003). PACS1-day -12% distinguished recurrence cases with a sensitivity of 67.7% and specificity of 60.5%. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed significant difference in 5-year cumulative probability of recurrence between those with PACS ≥ -12% and PACS < -12% (log rank p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression showed that PACS1-day was an independent risk factor of arrhythmia recurrence. Conclusions Left atrial function deteriorates immediately following AF ablation and partially recovers in 3 months but remains abnormal in the majority of patients. PACS1-day post procedure predicts arrhythmia recurrence at long-term follow-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Fujimoto ◽  
N Doi ◽  
K Hirai ◽  
M Naito ◽  
S Shizuta ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is associated with increased risks of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). Although prior studies reported that catheter ablation (CA) for AF in low LVEF patients reduced risks of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization, the predictors of worsening HF after ablation has not been adequately evaluated. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of improvement in LVEF after AF ablation on the incidence of subsequent HF hospitalization in patients with low LVEF. Methods The Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation (KPAF) Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling 5,013 consecutive patients undergoing first-time ablation for AF. The current study population consisted of 1,031 patients with reduced LVEF of <60%. We divided the study population into 3 groups according to LVEF at follow-up; 678 patients (65.8%) with improved LVEF (≥5 U change in LVEF), 288 patients (27.9%) with unchanged LVEF (−5 U ≤ change in LVEF <5 U) and 65 patients (6.3%) with worsened LVEF (<−5 U change in LVEF). Results During the median follow-up of 1067 [879–1226] days, patients improved LVEF had lower rate of HF hospitalization, compared with those with unchanged and worsened LVEF (2.1%, 8.0%, and 21.5%, respectively, P<0.0001). Recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias were documented in 43.5%, 47.2% and 67.7%, respectively (P=0.0008). Figure 1 Conclusion Among patients with reduced LVEF undergoing AF ablation, patients with subsequently improved LVEF in association with maintained sinus rhythm had markedly lower risk of HF hospitalization during follow-up as compared with those with unchanged or worsened LVEF.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.C Mansour ◽  
E.M Gillen ◽  
A Garman ◽  
S Rosemas ◽  
P.D Ziegler ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of stroke and progression to heart failure, and as a result, increased mortality. Catheter ablation can reduce AF burden, potentially allowing discontinuation from anticoagulant medication in some patients. Post ablation, guidelines recommend ECG monitoring in patients discontinuing anticoagulation to monitor potential AF recurrence. Short-term ECG monitors have lower detection rates for AF recurrence, while long-term insertable cardiac monitors (ICM) increase detection rates and the opportunity to manage and treat AF, when it recurs. Whether more intensive monitoring via ICMs translates to improvements in health outcomes or reduced costs is not well understood. Purpose We examined healthcare utilization/costs and anticoagulant discontinuation following AF ablation, in patients with vs. without ICM. Methods Patients with a catheter ablation for AF between January 1, 2011 - March 31, 2018 were identified in a large U.S. administrative claims database. Patients with ICM implant within 1 year pre- or post-ablation were propensity score matched to patients without ICM, based on: demographics, comorbidities, CHAD2S2-VASc score, medication use and healthcare costs in baseline. Results A total of 691 ICM patients were identified and matched 1:3 with 2,073 non-ICM patients. Mean age was 65 years, 38% were female, and mean (SD) CHAD2S2-VASc was 2.29 (1.53). During an average follow-up from ablation discharge of 37 (19) months, ICM patients incurred fewer AF- and HF-related hospitalizations: mean 0.51 (0.91) vs. 0.62 (1.56) AF-related, p=0.018, and 0.14 (0.48) vs. 0.24 (1.30) HF-related hospitalizations per patient, p=0.00. Correspondingly, average per-patient costs for AF- and HF-related hospitalizations were lower in the ICM cohort: $13,041 ($30,831) vs. $17,140 ($55,576), p=0.016 and $3,921 ($17,865) vs. $6,746 ($33,148), p=0.005. The ICM cohort had a greater number of AF-related clinic visits during follow-up: 14.2 (13.0) vs. 10.2 (11.7) visits per patient, p&lt;0.0001. The proportion of patients undergoing a repeat AF ablation during follow-up was higher in the ICM cohort (22.3% vs. 18.3%, P&lt;0.0001), while the proportion with cardioversions was lower (21.0% vs. 25.1%, p=0.031). In patients indicated for anticoagulation (CHAD2S2-VASc≥2), the rate of anticoagulant discontinuation (defined as gap in coverage ≥90 days) was high in both cohorts: 89.5% and 84.6% of patients in ICM and non-ICM groups, respectively. Conclusions AF ablation patients with ICM experienced fewer AF- and HF-related hospitalizations/costs and fewer cardioversions during follow-up. The greater number of AF-related clinic visits and repeat AF ablations observed in ICM patients indicate closer management. Of note, anticoagulant discontinuation was similarly high in the non-ICM cohort despite guidelines recommending rigorous cardiac monitoring for AF recurrence in the context of discontinuation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Medtronic


Author(s):  
Yichi Zhang ◽  
Abdel Hadi El Hajjar ◽  
Chao Huang ◽  
Aneesh Dhore-Patil ◽  
Mario Mekhael ◽  
...  

Introduction: Larger left atrial appendage (LAA) ostium area and greater left atrial (LA) volume have been associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to morphological and functional changes within the LA and LAA, some of which are not well studied. Here, we present findings regarding post-ablation changes of the LAA ostia and correlate them with various LA, LAA and left ventricular (LV) functional and morphological metrics. Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients scheduled to undergo first-time radiofrequency CA for AF. Catheter ablation techniques included PVI with or without additional ablations. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was used to assess LA, LAA and LV morphology and function, including LAA ostium area, LA/LAA volume and volume index, LA ejection fraction, LA strain, and LV ejection fraction. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used for correlating LAA ostial dimensions with other LA morphological and functional metrics. The t-test or two-sample Wilcoxon test were used to compare LA and LAA morphological parameters. Results: A total of 101 patients with AF were included in this study. The mean age was 60.1 ± 11.1 years, 69% were male, the average BMI was 29.22 ± 5.08. The LAA ostial area reduced significantly from 3.84 ± 1.15 cm before ablation to 3.42 ± 0.96 cm after ablation (p=0.0004). This reduction was asymmetrical, as the minor axis length decreased from 1.92 cm to 1.77 cm without significant changes in the major axis. LVEF increased from a pre-ablation average of 48.26% to a post-ablation average of 53.62% (p=0.015). Correlation of pre-ablation LVEF and LAA ostium area showed a near-significant negative trend (r=-0.21, p=0.083). LAEF correlated negatively with LAA ostial area (r=-0.289, p=0.0057), total LA strain (r=-0.248, p=0.0185), and passive LA strain (r=-0.208, p=0.049). Conclusion: There is a significant asymmetrical reduction of the LAA ostial area after AF ablation that is independent of LVEF changes. Larger LAA ostial area was associated with lower LAEF and LA strain. Remodeling of the LAA after AF ablation may help account for reduced risk of stroke and increased cardiac function.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Yoshizawa ◽  
H Shiomi ◽  
M Tanaka ◽  
T Aizawa ◽  
S Yamagami ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Catheter ablation has been rapidly spread as a first line therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). A recent randomized trial have shown that AF ablation reduces the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure (HF). However, the impact of maintained sinus rhythm (SR) on long-term risk of death or HF hospitalization has not been adequately evaluated. Purpose To investigate the impact of maintaining SR by AF ablation on long-term risk of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Methods The long-term clinical outcomes were compared between patients with maintained SR and those with recurrent AF using a landmark analysis in which the landmark point was set at 1.5-year after the 1st ablation. Results Among consecutive 1467 patients who underwent AF ablation in our institution between February 2004 and December 2017, the study population consisted of 1311 patients after excluding 150 patients because of death or lost to follow-up. Mean age was 67.9±0.3 and paroxysmal AF was 67%. Among 460 patients who had AF recurrence within 1.5 years after the 1st ablation, 328 underwent 2nd ablation. Therefore, at 1.5-year after the 1st AF ablation, 1145 patients had maintained SR rhythm (SR-group), and 166 patients had recurrent AF episodes (AF-group). During 4.7±2.4 years of follow-up, the cumulative 5-year incidence of death or HF beyond 1.5 years after the 1st ablation was 5.1% in SR-group and 15.6% in AF-group (log rank P<0.001). After adjusting for baseline confounders, the lower risk of SR-group relative to AF-group for death or HF was still statistically significant (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.11–3.58, P=0.02). Risks for a Composite of Death or HF Hazard Ratio (95% CI) Crude HR P value Adjusted HR P value AF recurrence 2.59 (1.43–4.43) 0.002 2.05 (1.11–3.58) 0.02 Age>75 years old 2.55 (1.56–4.10) <0.001 2.32 (1.39–3.81) 0.002 Female 0.85 (0.49–1.43) 0.56 0.73 (0.40–1.25) 0.26 PeAF 1.25 (0.68–2.16) 0.45 0.98 (0.52–1.75) 0.94 LSAF 1.10 (0.46–2.23) 0.82 0.70 (0.28–1.53) 0.39 LVEF>50% 0.27 (0.16–0.48) <0.001 0.57 (0.31–1.09) 0.09 Past history of HF 7.06 (4.18–11.6) <0.001 4.67 (2.51–8.41) <0.001 CKD 4.74 (2.08–9.39) <0.001 2.23 (0.94–4.69) 0.07 AF, Atrial fibrillation; PeAF, Persistent AF; LSAF; Long standing AF; HF, Heart failure; CKD, Chronic kidney disease. Figure 1 Conclusions Successfully maintained SR was associated with reduced long-term risk for death or HF hospitalization in real world patients undergoing AF ablation.


Author(s):  
Wentao Yang ◽  
Qing Zhao ◽  
Minghui Yao ◽  
Xiangdong Li ◽  
Yue Zhang ◽  
...  

Background: Recurrence after Radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA) of persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) is still elusive. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the left atrial appendage peak flow velocity(LAAV) and atrial fibrillation(AF) recurrences in PeAF patients after their initial RFCA. Method: This study included 164 consecutive PeAF patients who performed initial RFCA from January 2018 to December 2019. Transesophageal echocardiography was used to collect the LAAV before ablation. Patients’ demographic and clinical information was gathered. To detect the recurrences of AF, patients were checked up at routine intervals. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was adopted to evaluate the LAAV and other clinical variables as predictors of AF recurrences throughout follow-up. Results: AF recurrence resulted in 43 (26.2%) patients after a median follow-up of 15 months (IQR: 12-18 months). LAAV reduced in patients with AF recurrences (0.36±0.15m/s vs. 0.45±0.17m/s, P = 0.004). A Kaplan-Meier study revealed that the low LAAV(≤0.37m/s) group had a lower event-free survival rate than the high LAAV (>0.37m/s) group (17.6 months vs. 21.2 months, Log Rank P = 0.002). LAAV≤0.37m/s (HR 2.32, 95%CI 1.177-4.227, P = 0.014) was found to be independent predictors of AF recurrence after RFCA in the multivariate Cox regression. Conclusion: A low LAAV is linked to AF recurrence and acts as a predictor of AF recurrence after the initial RFCA of peAF. This would aid in treatment strategy optimization and management of patients with peAF.


2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mina M. Benjamin ◽  
Naeem Moulki ◽  
Aneeq Waqar ◽  
Harish Ravipati ◽  
Nancy Schoenecker ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a progressive condition, which is characterized by inflammation/fibrosis of left atrial (LA) wall, an increase in the LA size/volumes, and decrease in LA function. We sought to investigate the relationship of anatomical and functional parameters obtained by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), with AF recurrence in paroxysmal AF (pAF) patients after catheter ablation. Methods We studied 80 consecutive pAF patients referred for ablation, between January 2014 and December 2019, who underwent pre- and post-ablation CMR while in sinus rhythm. LA volumes were measured using the area–length method and included maximum, minimum, and pre-atrial-contraction volumes. CMR-derived LA reservoir strain (ℇR), conduit strain (ℇCD), and contractile strain (ℇCT) were measured by computer assisted manual planimetry. We used a multivariate logistical regression to estimate the independent predictors of AF recurrence after ablation. Results Mean age was 58.6 ± 9.4 years, 75% men, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.7, 36% had prior cardioversion and 51% were taking antiarrhythmic drugs. Patients were followed for a median of 4 years (Q1–Q3 = 2.5–6.2 years). Of the 80 patients, 21 (26.3%) patients had AF recurrence after ablation. There were no significant differences between AF recurrence vs. no recurrence groups in age, gender, CHA2DS2-VASc score, or baseline comorbidities. At baseline, patients with AF recurrence compared to without recurrence had lower LV end systolic volume index (32 ± 7 vs 37 ± 11 mL/m2; p = 0.045) and lower ℇCT (7.1 ± 4.6 vs 9.1 ± 3.7; p = 0.05). Post-ablation, patients with AF recurrence had higher LA minimum volume (68 ± 32 vs 55 ± 23; p = 0.05), right atrial volume index (62 ± 20 vs 52 ± 19 mL/m2; p = 0.04) and lower LA active ejection fraction (24 ± 8 vs 29 ± 11; p = 0.05), LA total ejection fraction (39 ± 14 vs 46 ± 12; p = 0.02), LA expansion index (73.6 ± 37.5 vs 94.7 ± 37.1; p = 0.03) and ℇCT (6.2 ± 2.9 vs 7.3 ± 1.7; p = 0.04). Adjusting for clinical variables in the multivariate logistic regression model, post-ablation minimum LA volume (OR 1.09; CI 1.02–1.16), LA expansion index (OR 0.98; CI 0.96–0.99), and baseline ℇR (OR 0.92; CI 0.85–0.99) were independently associated with AF recurrence. Conclusion Significant changes in LA volumes and strain parameters occur after AF ablation. CMR derived baseline ℇR, post-ablation minimum LAV, and expansion index are independently associated with AF recurrence.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Songnan Wen ◽  
Manasawee Indrabhinduwat ◽  
Peter A. Brady ◽  
Cristina Pislaru ◽  
Fletcher A. Miller ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Left atrial (LA) function can be impaired by the atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and might be associated with the risk of recurrence. We sought to determine whether the post-procedural changes in LA function impact the risk of recurrence following AF ablation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent AF ablation between 2009 and 2011 and underwent transthoracic echocardiography before ablation, 1-day and 3-month after ablation. Peak left atrial contraction strain (PACS) and left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) were evaluated during sinus rhythm and compared across the three time points. The primary endpoint was atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after ablation. Results: Out of 144 patients were enrolled (mean age 61±11 years, 77% male, 46% persistent AF). PACS and LAEF initially decreased 1-day following ablation but partially recovered within 3 months in PAF patients, with a similar trend in the PerAF patients. After median 24 months follow-up, 68 (47%) patients had recurrence. Patients with recurrence had higher PACS1-day than that in non-recurrence subjects (-10.9±5.0%%vs. -13.4±4.7, p=0.003). PACS1-day -12% distinguished recurrence cases with a sensitivity of 67.7% and specificity of 60.5%. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant difference in 5-year cumulative probability of recurrence between those with PACS≥ -12 % and PACS < -12% (log rank p<0.0001). Multivariate regression showed that PACS1-day was an independent risk factor of arrhythmia recurrence. Conclusions: Left atrial function deteriorates immediately following AF ablation and partially recovers in 3 months but remains abnormal in the majority of patients. PACS1-day post procedure predicts arrhythmia recurrence at long-term follow-up.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.C.P Wagemakers ◽  
R Wesselink ◽  
J Neefs ◽  
A Kougioumtzoglou ◽  
N.W.E Van Den Berg ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) coexist in many patients. AF and HFpEF are closely intertwined, but there are important knowledge gaps in the pathogenesis, risk, prevention and treatment of AF with concomitant HFpEF, in particular with respect to reversal of HFpEF signs. Purpose To assess the proportion of AF patients with (any) HFpEF criteria (including patients with heart failure with moderately reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF)) who – after successful AF ablation – no longer meet the criteria for HFpEF on neurohumoral and echocardiographic level. Furthermore, to assess whether normalisation of HFpEF criteria positively affects AF recurrence. Methods Patients (n=526) underwent thoracoscopic AF ablation, consisting of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone or PVI with additional lines in the case of persistent AF and were prospectively followed-up. Patients (n=338) with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40% and a successful ablation at 6 months follow-up, that is freedom of AF, or any atrial tachycardia of more than 30 seconds, were included in this study. Participants were grouped based on N-terminal pro-b type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) into those with a NT-proBNP &lt;125pg/ml, defined as control patients (group 1), and those with a NT-proBNP level ≥125pg/ml, defined as HFpEF patients (group 2). HFpEF patients were further classified in different degrees of HFpEF severity, based on the number of diagnostic echocardiographic criteria for diastolic dysfunction present into possible HFpEF (group 2a, &lt;2 criteria), likely HFpEF (group 2b, 2 criteria) and definite HFpEF (2c, ≥3 criteria). The primary outcome was the change in HFpEF defining signs on neurohumoral (NT-proBNP) level and echocardiographic (number of echocardiographic criteria for diastolic dysfunction) level 6 months after restoration of sinus rhythm. Results In total, 69% of AF patients (with a preserved ejection fraction of ≥40%) fulfilled the criteria for HFpEF. In 23% of these patients, neurohumoral levels normalised after elimination of AF, and a normalisation of echocardiographic markers was seen in 58% of patients. Normalisation of HFpEF on a neurohumoral level was associated with numerically fewer AF recurrence at 1 year follow-up (23% versus 33% in patients with and without NT-proBNP &lt;125 pg/ml respectively, p=0.212). This favourable outcome was not observed in patients with a normalisation of echocardiographic markers. Conclusion In AF patients with definite restoration of sinus rhythm HFpEF may be reversed. This suggests that neurohumoral and echographic changes are caused by AF rather than by HFpEF. Normalisation of neurohumoral changes after definite restoration of sinus rhythm led to better outcome with regards to AF-recurrence, which could be used in prediction of prognosis. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document