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Ruzieh M, Bai C, Meisel E, Kramer EF, Frechette RR, Nassereddin AT, Smoot M, Edwards ES, Kurup V, Naccarelli GV, Naik D, Kimmel SE, Mardini MT. Predictors of left atrial appendage thrombus in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing cardioversion. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024:10.1007/s10840-024-01868-x. [PMID: 38995603 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-024-01868-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter represent the most prevalent clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias. While the CHA2DS2-VASc score is commonly used to inform anticoagulation therapy decisions for patients with these conditions, its predictive power is limited. Therefore, we sought to improve risk prediction for left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT), a known risk factor for stroke in these patients. METHODS We developed and validated an explainable machine learning model using the eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm with 5 × 5 nested cross-validation. The primary outcome was to predict the probability of LAAT in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter who underwent transesophageal echocardiogram prior to cardioversion. Our algorithm used 37 demographic, comorbid, and transthoracic echocardiographic variables. RESULTS A total of 795 patients were included in our analysis. LAAT was present in 11.3% of the patients. The average age of patients was 63.3 years and 34.7% were women. Patients with LAAT had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (29.9% vs 43.5%; p < 0.001), lower E' lateral velocity (5.7 cm vs. 7.9 cm; p < 0.001) and higher E/A ratio (2.6 vs 1.8; p = 0.002). Our machine learning model achieved a high AUC of 0.79, with a high specificity of 0.82, and modest sensitivity of 0.57. Left ventricular ejection fraction was the most important variable in predicting LAAT. Patients were split into 10 buckets based on the percentile of their predicted probability of having thrombus. The lower the percentile (e.g., 10%), the lower the probability of having thrombus. Using a cutoff point of 0.16 which includes 10.0% of the patients, we can rule out thrombus with 100% confidence. CONCLUSION Using machine learning, we refined the predictive power of predicting LAAT and explained the model. These results show promise in providing better guidance for anticoagulation therapy and cardioversion in AF and AFL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ruzieh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer road, PO Box100288, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Chen Bai
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily Meisel
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ethan F Kramer
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Ali T Nassereddin
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Madeline Smoot
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily S Edwards
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Varsha Kurup
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gerald V Naccarelli
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Dhaval Naik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer road, PO Box100288, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Stephen E Kimmel
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mamoun T Mardini
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Kreimer F, Backhaus JF, Krogias C, Pflaumbaum A, Mügge A, Gotzmann M. P-wave parameters and their association with thrombi and spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrial appendage. Clin Cardiol 2023; 46:397-406. [PMID: 36808747 PMCID: PMC10106666 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of abnormal P-wave parameters in patients with thrombus and/or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrial appendage (LAA), and to identify P-wave parameters particularly associated with thrombus and SEC formation. HYPOTHESIS We presume a significant relationship of P-wave parameters with thrombi and SEC. METHODS All patients in whom a thrombus or SEC was detected in the LAA on transoesophageal echocardiography were included in this study. Patients at risk (CHA2DS2-VASc Score ≥3) and routine transoesophageal echocardiography to exclude thrombi served as the control group. A detailed ECG analysis was performed. RESULTS Of a total of 4062 transoesophageal echocardiographies, thrombi and SEC were detected in 302 patients (7.4%). Of these patients, 27 (8.9%) presented with sinus rhythm. The control group included 79 patients. There was no difference in mean CHA2DS2-VASc score in the two groups (p = .182). A high prevalence of abnormal P-wave parameters was detected in patients with thrombus/SEC. Indicators for the presence of thrombi or SEC in the LAA were P-wave duration >118 ms (Odds ratio (OR) 3.418, Confidence interval (CI) 1.522-7.674, p < .001), P-wave dispersion >40 ms (OR 2.521, CI 1.390-4.571, p < .001) and advanced interatrial block (OR 1.431, CI 1.033-1.984, p = .005). CONCLUSION Our study revealed that several P-wave parameters are associated with thrombi and SEC in the LAA. The results may help identify patients who are at particularly high risk for thromboembolic events (e.g., in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Kreimer
- Cardiology and Rhythmology, St Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julian Felix Backhaus
- Cardiology and Rhythmology, St Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christos Krogias
- Neurology, St Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Pflaumbaum
- Cardiology and Rhythmology, St Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Mügge
- Cardiology and Rhythmology, St Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Gotzmann
- Cardiology and Rhythmology, St Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Uziębło-Życzkowska B, Kapłon-Cieślicka A, Kiliszek M, Gawałko M, Budnik M, Starzyk K, Wożakowska-Kapłon B, Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz L, Kaufmann D, Wójcik M, Błaszczyk R, Hiczkiewicz J, Łojewska K, Mizia-Stec K, Wybraniec MT, Kosmalska K, Fijałkowski M, Szymańska A, Gos A, Haberka M, Kucio M, Michalski B, Kupczyńska K, Tomaszuk-Kazberuk A, Wilk-Śledziewska K, Wachnicka-Truty R, Koziński M, Burchardt P, Krzesiński P. Increased Body Mass Index and Risk of Left Atrial Thrombus in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients-Data from the Left Atrial Thrombus on Transesophageal Echocardiography (LATTEE) Registry. Nutrients 2022; 14:3652. [PMID: 36079909 PMCID: PMC9460640 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and a higher risk of thromboembolic complications in AF patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMI on the risk of left atrial thrombi (LATs) in patients with nonvalvular AF/atrial flutter (AFl) (NV AF/AFl). Patients diagnosed with NVAF/AFl (between November 2018 and May 2020) were selected from the multicenter, prospective, observational Left Atrial Thrombus on Transesophageal Echocardiography (LATTEE) registry that included AF/AFl patients referred for cardioversion or ablation followed by transesophageal echocardiography. A total of 2816 AF/AFl patients (63.6% males; mean age 65.8 years; mean BMI 29.8 kg/m2) were included in the study. Two hundred and twenty-two of them (7.9%) had LATs. Compared with normal-weight patients, those with BMIs ≥ 25 kg/m2 more frequently presented clinical factors potentially provoking LATs, such as non-paroxysmal AF/AFl (p = 0.04), hypertension (p < 0.001), and diabetes (p < 0.001); had higher CHA2DS2 scores (p < 0.001); and had larger LA dimensions (LA diameter and LA area) (p < 0.001 for both parameters). On the other hand, they showed some features negatively related to thromboembolic risk; for example, they were younger (p < 0.001) and were more often male (p = 0.002). In addition, patients with abnormal BMIs were more likely to be smokers (p = 0.006) and to be treated with oral anticoagulants (p = 0.005). Despite these differences in the prevalence of thromboembolic risk factors, the incidence of LATs was not increased in patients with abnormal body weight (overweight and obese compared to normal-weight patients) in this large real-life cohort of AF/AFl patients. This is probably due to the balanced composition regarding the prevalence of positive and negative thromboembolic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Uziębło-Życzkowska
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Military Institute of Medicine, 01-755 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kapłon-Cieślicka
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Kiliszek
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Military Institute of Medicine, 01-755 Warsaw, Poland
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
| | - Monika Gawałko
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Centre, University Duisburg-Essen, 4514 Essen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Budnik
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Starzyk
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | | | | | - Damian Kaufmann
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Wójcik
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Robert Błaszczyk
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Hiczkiewicz
- Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland
- Clinical Department of Cardiology, Nowa Sól Multidisciplinary Hospital, 67-100 Nowa Sol, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Łojewska
- Clinical Department of Cardiology, Nowa Sól Multidisciplinary Hospital, 67-100 Nowa Sol, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mizia-Stec
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- 1st Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-635 Katowice, Poland
- Members of the European Reference Network on Heart Diseases—Ern Guard-Heart, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maciej T. Wybraniec
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- 1st Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-635 Katowice, Poland
- Members of the European Reference Network on Heart Diseases—Ern Guard-Heart, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marcin Fijałkowski
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Szymańska
- Department of Heart Diseases, Postgraduate Medical School, 00-002 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gos
- Department of Heart Diseases, Postgraduate Medical School, 00-002 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Haberka
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, School of Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Michał Kucio
- Department of Cardiology, School of Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Błażej Michalski
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Kupczyńska
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | | | | | - Renata Wachnicka-Truty
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marek Koziński
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Paweł Burchardt
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Hypertension, Angiology, and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Krzesiński
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Military Institute of Medicine, 01-755 Warsaw, Poland
- “Club 30”, Polish Cardiac Society, 40-001 Katowice, Poland
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Atrial thrombi in elective patients considered for atrial fibrillation rhythm control: Risk factors and prognostic value. Indian Heart J 2021; 73:228-230. [PMID: 33865525 PMCID: PMC8065352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2021.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognostic value of atrial thrombi (AT) among elective patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) referred for a rhythm control strategy is unclear. In this study, clinical variables were correlated with the presence of AT and long term survival among 205 patients submitted to transesophageal echocardiography before elective AF cardioversion or ablation. Atrial thrombi were present in 7.8% of cases and were significantly associated with reduced survival. Obesity was the only independent clinical predictor of AT [OR 4.27 (1.15-15.79), p = 0.03]. In patients with AF, AT appear to be associated with adverse outcomes, possibly indicating more advanced atrial cardiomyopathy.
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5
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Impact of obesity on atrial fibrillation ablation. Arch Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 113:551-563. [PMID: 32753124 DOI: 10.1016/j.acvd.2020.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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6
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Al Rawahi M, Samuel M, Galatas C, Joza J, Lima PY, Barbosa R, Thanassoulis G, Bernier ML, Huynh T, Essebag V. Incidence and Predictors of Intracardiac Thrombus on Pre-electrophysiological Procedure Transesophageal Echocardiography. CJC Open 2019; 1:231-237. [PMID: 32159114 PMCID: PMC7063624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral thromboembolism is a potentially devastating complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFl). The use of transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) before electrophysiological procedures in anticoagulated patients is variable. Our objective was to determine the incidence and identify predictors of intracardiac left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus on TEE in patients with AF/AFl before electrical cardioversion or ablation. Methods We reviewed TEEs of 401 patients undergoing an electrical cardioversion, AF, or AFl ablation from April 2013 to September 2015 at the McGill University Health Center. Clinical and echocardiographic variables were collected at the time of the TEE and follow-up visits. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of LAA thrombus. Results Of 401 patients, 11.2% had LAA thrombus on TEE. The majority (87%) of patients were anticoagulated for at least 3 weeks before the TEE. The incidence of LAA thrombus was 21% (23/110) in patients taking warfarin vs 6.4% (15/236) in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants. Multivariate analysis identified prior stroke (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-6.9) and heart failure (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.0-4.7) as predictors of thrombus, whereas direct oral anticoagulant use (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8) was associated with reduced odds of thrombus. Conclusions LAA thrombus was identified in a significant proportion of patients undergoing TEE before cardioversion or ablation of AF/AFl despite preprocedural anticoagulation. Patients at increased risk of LAA thrombus (heart failure and prior stroke) may benefit from TEE before cardioversion, AF, or AFl ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Al Rawahi
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Michelle Samuel
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christos Galatas
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Joza
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pedro Y Lima
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - George Thanassoulis
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin L Bernier
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thao Huynh
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vidal Essebag
- McGill University Health Center, Division of Cardiology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Zhan Y, Joza J, Al Rawahi M, Barbosa RS, Samuel M, Bernier M, Huynh T, Thanassoulis G, Essebag V. Assessment and Management of the Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation. Can J Cardiol 2018; 34:252-261. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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Huang G, Parikh PB, Malhotra A, Gruberg L, Kort S. Relation of Body Mass Index and Gender to Left Atrial Size and Atrial Fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2017; 120:218-222. [PMID: 28583686 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity are associated with greater risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, whether this correlation is independent and gender specific remains unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize the relation between BMI, left atrial (LA) size, and presence of AF and determine whether this association is gender specific. We prospectively studied 499 patients who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram at an academic tertiary care medical center. Clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained. The primary outcome of interest was the presence of AF. Of 499 patients studied, 240 (48.1%) were men and 259 (51.9%) were women. Of these, 151 (30.1%) had normal BMI, 181 (36.3%) were overweight, and 167 (33.5%) were obese. Obese patients were younger and had larger LA diameters, LA areas (LAAs), and LA volumes (LAVs). Rates of AF were similar among the BMI classes in the overall population and in men and women separately. In multivariate analysis, BMI and gender were both independently associated with LA diameter, LAA, and LAV. Age (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.04, p = 0.023) and LA diameter (odds ratio 2.52, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.97, p <0.001) were the only determinants of the presence of AF in the overall population. BMI and gender were not independently associated with AF. In this observational study, our findings demonstrate that higher BMI and male gender were independently associated with greater LA diameter, LAA, and LAV. Older age and greater LA diameter were independently associated with higher rates of AF, whereas BMI and gender were not.
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Inoue H, Kodani E, Atarashi H, Okumura K, Yamashita T, Origasa H. Impact of Body Mass Index on the Prognosis of Japanese Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2016; 118:215-21. [PMID: 27255662 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2016.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, obesity is associated with lower mortality in patients with established AF, a phenomenon known as the obesity paradox. Previous studies reported inconsistent results regarding effects of body weight on risk of cardiogenic embolism in patients with AF. To determine relation between body mass index (BMI) and prognosis among Japanese patients with nonvalvular AF (NVAF), a post hoc analysis was conducted using observational data in the J-RHYTHM Registry. Subjects were categorized as underweight (BMI <18.5), normal (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25.0 to 29.9), or obese (≥30 kg/m(2)). End points included thromboembolism, major hemorrhaging, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. Of the 7,406 patients with NVAF, 6,379 patients (70 ± 10 years old; BMI, 23.6 ± 3.9 kg/m(2)) having baseline BMI data constituted the study group. During the 2-year follow-up period, 111 patients had thromboembolism, 124 experienced major hemorrhage, and 159 died. Multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model showed that none of the BMI categories were independent predictors of thromboembolism. However, being underweight was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62 to 3.69; p <0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.52 to 5.91, p = 0.001) when normal weight was used as the reference. Additionally, being overweight was a predictor of lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.95, p = 0.029). In conclusion, being underweight is associated with higher risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with having a normal weight. Being overweight or obese is not associated with increased mortality among Japanese patients with NVAF.
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Di Minno MND, Ambrosino P, Dello Russo A, Casella M, Tremoli E, Tondo C. Prevalence of left atrial thrombus in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Thromb Haemost 2015; 115:663-77. [PMID: 26607276 DOI: 10.1160/th15-07-0532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We performed a meta-analysis about the prevalence of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). Studies reporting on LAT presence in AF patients were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases and the pooled LAT prevalence was evaluated as weighted mean prevalence (WMP). Seventy-two studies (20,516 AF patients) showed a LAT WMP of 9.8 % (95 %CI: 7.6 %-12.5 %). LAT presence was associated with a higher age (mean difference: 2.56, 95 %CI: 1.49-3.62), and higher prevalence of female gender (OR: 1.35, 95 %CI: 1.04-1.75), hypertension (OR: 1.78, 95 %CI: 1.38-2.30), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.86, 95 %CI: 1.33-2.59) and chronic heart failure (OR: 3.67, 95 %CI: 2.40-5.60). Overall, LAT patients exhibited a higher CHADS2-score (mean difference 0.88, 95 %CI: 0.68-1.07) and a higher risk of stroke/systemic embolism (OR: 3.53, 95 %CI: 2.24-5.56) compared with those without LAT. A meta-regression showed an inverse association between LAT prevalence and the presence of anticoagulation (Z-value: -7.3, p< 0.001). Indeed, studies in which 100 % of patients received oral anticoagulation reported a 3.4 % WMP of LAT (95 %CI: 1.3 %-8.7 %), whereas studies in which 0 % of patients received anticoagulation showed a LAT WMP of 7.4 % (95 %CI: 2.3 %-21.5 %). Our data suggest that LAT is present in ≍10 % of AF patients, and is associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of stroke/systemic embolism. Interestingly, LAT is also reported in some of patients receiving anticoagulation. The implementation of the screening of LAT in AF patients before cardioversion/ablation could be useful for the prevention of vascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno
- Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno, MD, PhD, Unit of Cell and Molecular Biology in Cardiovascular Diseases, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy, Tel./Fax: +39 02 58002857, E-mail:
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11
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Relationship between body mass index and left atrial appendage thrombus in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2015; 41:613-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11239-015-1266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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12
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Wang HJ, Si QJ, Shan ZL, Guo YT, Lin K, Zhao XN, Wang YT. Effects of body mass index on risks for ischemic stroke, thromboembolism, and mortality in Chinese atrial fibrillation patients: a single-center experience. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123516. [PMID: 25848965 PMCID: PMC4388788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Obesity is considered to be related to recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), left atrial thrombus formation, and atrial remodeling. However, whether obesity is an independent risk factor for stroke and other thromboembolic events is still controversial. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the risks of stroke, thromboembolism, and mortality in AF patients. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with nonvalvular AF were included in this observational, retrospective study. The study population was stratified by BMI at baseline. The Cox proportional hazard model was adopted to calculate adjusted hazard ratios of risk factors for adverse clinical events (stroke, thromboembolism, and mortality). Results A total of 1286 AF patients (males, 78.30%; mean age, 74.50 years; 94.48% paroxysmal AF) were followed up for a median of 2.1 years (IQR: 1.5–2.9 years). Overall, 159 patients died. A total of 84 strokes and 35 thromboembolic events occurred. Multivariate analysis showed that overweight (25.0≤BMI<30.0 kg/m2) and age ≥75 years were independent risk factors for ischemic stroke (both P<0.01). Obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2), age ≥75 years, persistent/permanent AF, and prior thromboembolism were independent risk factors for thromboembolism (all P<0.05). Underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), age ≥75 years, prior ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, renal dysfunction, and heart failure were independent risk factors for all-cause deaths (all P<0.05). Conclusions Overweight or obesity may be a risk factor of ischemic stroke and thromboembolism in AF patients. Excessive low weight is significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jun Wang
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Quan-Jin Si
- Healthcare Department 2, Hainan Branch of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, China
- * E-mail: (YTW); (QJS)
| | - Zhao-Liang Shan
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tao Guo
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ning Zhao
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tang Wang
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (YTW); (QJS)
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Overweight is associated with improved survival and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Clin Res Cardiol 2014; 103:533-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00392-014-0681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Asghar O, Alam U, Hayat SA, Aghamohammadzadeh R, Heagerty AM, Malik RA. Diabetes, Obesity and Atrial Fibrillation: Epidemiology, Mechanisms and Interventions. J Atr Fibrillation 2013; 6:869. [PMID: 28496876 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Body mass index (BMI) is a powerful predictor of death, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Over the last few decades, we have witnessed a global rise in adult obesity of epidemic proportions. Similarly, there has been a parallel increase in the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), itself a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This may be partly attributable to advances in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart failure (HF) improving life expectancy, however, epidemiological studies have demonstrated an independent association between obesity, diabetes and AF, suggesting possible common pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors. Indeed, cardiac remodeling, haemodynamic alterations, autonomic dysfunction, and diastolic dysfunction have been reported in obese and diabetic cohorts. Moreover, diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by an adverse structural and functional cardiac phenotype, which may predispose to the development of AF. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological and mechanistic relationships between obesity, diabetes and AF, and some of the challenges posed in the management of this high-risk group of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Asghar
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - U Alam
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - S A Hayat
- Department of Cardiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - A M Heagerty
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - R A Malik
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
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Overvad TF, Rasmussen LH, Skjøth F, Overvad K, Lip GYH, Larsen TB. Body mass index and adverse events in patients with incident atrial fibrillation. Am J Med 2013; 126:640.e9-17. [PMID: 23601271 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2012.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation and may impact atrial fibrillation-related outcomes. To date, no anthropometric measure is included in any risk stratification scheme for stroke and death in atrial fibrillation patients. METHODS The prospective Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study is a cohort including 57,053 participants (27,178 men and 29,875 women) aged between 50 and 64 years. The study population for this study included the 3135 patients (2025 men and 1110 women) who developed incident atrial fibrillation during follow-up. RESULTS Of the subjects with atrial fibrillation, 1414 (45%) had a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight category (BMI 25 to <30 kg/m(2)) and 767 (24%) were categorized as obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m(2)). During a median follow-up of 4.9 years, 609 deaths and 216 thromboembolic events (98% ischemic strokes) occurred. Using normal-weight patients as reference, the risk of a composite end point of "ischemic stroke, thromboembolism, or death" was significantly higher in overweight (crude hazard ratio [HR] 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.56) and obese patients (crude HR 1.55; 95% CI 1.27-1.90). After adjustment for CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, the HRs for the composite end point were 1.21 (95% CI 1.02-1.45) and 1.31 (95% CI 1.10-1.56), respectively, for overweight and 1.25 (95% CI 1.03-1.53) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.11-1.65), respectively, for obese. Continuous analyses of BMI stratified by sex identified obese men and normal-weight women as the sex-specific "high-risk" categories. CONCLUSION Overweight and obesity are risk factors for "ischemic stroke, thromboembolism or death" in patients with atrial fibrillation, even after adjustment for CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. The association between BMI and outcomes among atrial fibrillation patients may be modified by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thure Filskov Overvad
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Providência R, Faustino A, Paiva L, Fernandes A, Barra S, Pimenta J, Trigo J, Botelho A, Leitão-Marques AM. Mean platelet volume is associated with the presence of left atrial stasis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2013; 13:40. [PMID: 23758790 PMCID: PMC3684547 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2261-13-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mean platelet volume has been associated with stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, its role as a predictor of left atrial stasis, assessed by transesophageal echocardiography, in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation has not yet been clarified. Methods Single center cross-sectional study comprising 427 patients admitted to the emergency department due to symptomatic atrial fibrillation and undergoing transesophageal echocardiogram evaluation for exclusion of left atrial appendage thrombus before cardioversion. All patients had a complete blood count performed in the 12 hours prior to transesophageal echocardiogram. Markers of left atrial stasis were sought: left atrial appendage thrombus, dense spontaneous echocardiographic contrast and low flow velocities in the left atrial appendage. The presence of at least one of the former markers of left atrial stasis was designated left atrial abnormality. Binary logistic multivariate analysis was used for obtaining models for the prediction of transesophageal echocardiogram endpoints. Results Left atrial appendage thrombus was found in 12.2%, dense spontaneous echocardiographic contrast in 29.7%, low flow velocities in 15.3% and left atrial abnormality in 34.2%. Mean platelet volume (exp β = 3.41 p = 0.048) alongside with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (exp β = 5.35 p = 0.005) and troponin I (exp β = 5.07 p = 0.041) were independent predictors of left atrial appendage thrombus. Mean platelet volume was also incorporated in the predictive models of dense spontaneous echocardiographic contrast, low flow velocities and left atrial abnormality, adding predictive value to clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory variables. Conclusions These findings suggest that mean platelet volume may be associated with the presence of markers of left atrial stasis, reinforcing a likely cardioembolic mechanism for its association with stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
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Asghar O, Alam U, Hayat SA, Aghamohammadzadeh R, Heagerty AM, Malik RA. Obesity, diabetes and atrial fibrillation; epidemiology, mechanisms and interventions. Curr Cardiol Rev 2013; 8:253-64. [PMID: 22920475 PMCID: PMC3492809 DOI: 10.2174/157340312803760749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 04/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed a global rise in adult obesity of epidemic proportions. The potential impact of this is emphasized when one considers that body mass index (BMI) is a powerful predictor of death, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality [1, 2]. Similarly we have witnessed a parallel rise in the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), the commonest sustained cardiac arrhythmia, which is also a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Part of this increase is attributable to advances in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart failure (HF) improving life expectancy and consequently the prevalence of AF. However, epidemiological studies have demonstrated an independent association between obesity and AF, possibly reflecting common pathophysiology and risk factors for both conditions. Indeed, weight gain and obesity are associated with structural and functional changes of the cardiovascular system including left atrial and ventricular remodeling, haemodynamic alterations, autonomic dysfunction, and diastolic dysfunction. Moreover, diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by an adverse structural and functional cardiac phenotype which may predispose to the development of AF [3]. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological and mechanistic relationships between obesity, diabetes and AF, and the challenges posed in the management of this high-risk group of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Asghar
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
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19
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Needleman M, Calkins H. Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Obese Patients. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2012; 4:327-334. [PMID: 26939952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2012.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the increased burden of atrial fibrillation (AF), obese patients have similar, if not slightly improved, mortality, described as the "obesity paradox." Catheter ablation for AF in obese patients is a reasonable option, but patients should be screened for sleep apnea and counseled about the possibility of longer procedure times and repeat procedures to achieve similar success rates. Quality of life will likely improve after successful ablation. Although no statistically significant increases in procedural complications have occurred in obese subjects, patients should be counseled about the increased radiation dose and higher incidence of left atrial thrombus preablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Needleman
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes, Sheikh Zayed Tower - Room 7125, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Martinek M, Purerfellner H. Association Between BMI and QoL Improvement in AF Patients Following Catheter Ablation. J Atr Fibrillation 2012; 5:417. [PMID: 28496743 PMCID: PMC5153078 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Martinek
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Elisabethinen University Teaching Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Helmut Purerfellner
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Elisabethinen University Teaching Hospital, Linz, Austria
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Abstract
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the primary nonvalvular cause of cardioembolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Warfarin and direct thrombin inhibitors such as dabigatran are presumed to prevent formation of LAA thrombus, and are first-line treatments to prevent ischemic stroke in AF. However, these medications carry many contraindications such as hemorrhage, and can interact with many drugs and supplements. Epicardial and endovascular techniques for occlusion of LAA are being explored, whether to mitigate the need for anticoagulation in patients at risk of bleeding or as a first-line therapy to reduce the risk of thromboembolic stroke. The purposes of this article are to 1) review the LAA structure and its potential contribution to ischemic stroke; 2) discuss the results of surgical and endovascular trials of LAA occlusion on risk of stroke and adverse events in AF patients; and 3) present early data on devices in development.
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Ayirala S, Kumar S, O'Sullivan DM, Silverman DI. Echocardiographic predictors of left atrial appendage thrombus formation. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2011; 24:499-505. [PMID: 21440414 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although transesophageal echocardiography is the definitive test for the detection of left atrial (LA) appendage thrombus, transthoracic echocardiography has yet to prove useful for the determination of increased risk for LA appendage thrombus formation. The authors hypothesized that higher LA volume and/or lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) might prove valuable as markers of increased risk for LA appendage thrombus formation and tested this hypothesis in a consecutive retrospective series of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS Three hundred thirty-four consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing transesophageal echocardiography for the detection of LA appendage thrombus were studied. Anticoagulation status, CHADS(2) scores, and echocardiographic parameters were catalogued. The relationship between the presence of LA appendage thrombus and covariates was analyzed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS LA appendage thrombus was detected in 52 patients (15.6%). A higher CHADS(2) score (odds ratio, 1.45; P < .004), increased LA volume index (odds ratio, 1.02; P = .018), and lower LVEF (odds ratio, 1.02; P = .05) were significant predictors of LA appendage thrombus formation. LA appendage thrombus was not seen in patients with CHADS(2) scores ≤ 1, LVEFs > 55%, and a LA volume indexes < 28 mL/m(2). A ratio of LVEF to LA volume index ≤ 1.5 produced 100% sensitivity for the presence of LA appendage thrombus. CONCLUSIONS The presence of LA appendage thrombus is related to both clinical and echocardiographic variables. Although no single echocardiographic variable discriminated between the presence and absence of LA thrombus, a normal LVEF and normal LA volume index were associated with the absence of LA appendage thrombus formation. For patients with atrial fibrillation with CHADS(2) scores ≤ 1, normal left ventricular systolic function and normal LA volume in combination may be a useful measure for the identification of patients at low risk for LA appendage thrombus formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srilatha Ayirala
- Cardiology Division, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, 06102, USA.
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