Fibrotic atrial cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and thromboembolism: mechanistic links and clinical inferences

Impact of left atrial myopathy and post-ablation remodeling on quality of life: a DECAAF II sub-analysis

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with adverse remodeling of the left atrium (LA). The impact of the extent of atrial myopathy and post-ablation remodeling on quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate the association between atrial myopathy and post-ablation remodeling on quality-of-life outcomes in patients with persistent AF.

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of DECAAF II participants who underwent late-gadolinium enhancement MRI (LGE-MRI) before and after AF ablation. We assessed atrial myopathy and post-ablation atrial remodeling, scar formation, and fibrosis coverage with ablation. QoL metrics were assessed using the Short Form Survey (SF-36) and Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale (AFSS). Uni- and multivariable regression models were developed for this analysis.

RESULTS

Six hundred thirteen patients with persistent AF were included in our analyses. At baseline, AFSS burden and total AFSS score were 18.94 ± 7.35 and 12.24 ± 8.17, respectively. Following ablation, all QoL and AFSS metrics improved in both the pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and MRI-guided fibrosis ablation groups. On average, one unit of post-ablation reduction in left atrial volume index (LAVI) was associated with an improvement of 0.085 in total AFSS score (p = 0.001), 0.01 in shortness of breath with activity (p < 0.001), 0.15 in AF burden (p < 0.001), - 0.016 in global well-being (p = 0.018), 0.519 in health change (p < 0.001), 0.19 in vitality (vitality (p = 0.01), and 0.27 in physical functioning (p = 0.001). Baseline fibrosis and residual fibrosis post-ablation were associated with improved vitality and general health.

CONCLUSION

Atrial myopathy and post-ablation atrial remodeling significantly impact QoL in patients with persistent AF undergoing ablation.

Left Atrial Function and Incident Heart Failure in Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) prevalence is increasing, especially among older adults. Left atrial (LA) dysfunction is often associated with HF, but it is unclear whether it may contribute to its development. We investigated whether measures of LA function can predict the development of HF in older adults without a history of cardiovascular events.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seven hundred ninety-five participants from a triethnic (white, Black, Hispanic) community-based cohort of adults age ≥55 without a history of cardiovascular events underwent standard, three-dimensional, and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Left atrial volumes, LA strain, LA stiffness, and LA coupling index (LACI) were measured. Longitudinal follow-up was conducted, and new-onset HF was ascertained through standardized interviews, in-person visits, and active hospital surveillance of admission and discharge ICD-9 codes. Risk analysis with a cause-specific hazards regression model was used to assess the association of LA variables with incident HF, adjusting for other HF risk factors. The mean age was 70.9 ± 9.2 years (297 men, 498 women). During a mean follow-up of 11.4 years, new-onset HF occurred in 345 participants (43.4%). All measures of LA morphology and function were associated with incident HF (all P < .05). In multivariable analysis, LA stiffness and LACI (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.08-3.94; adjusted hazard ratio = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.09-1.43, respectively) remained associated with incident HF. After further adjustment for left ventricular global longitudinal strain, only LACI remained associated with incident HF (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Left atrial coupling index is a stronger independent predictor for incident HF in older adults than LA volumes and strain and may improve HF risk stratification.

Diagnosis of atrial cardiomyopathy: from the electrocardiogram to the new opportunities with multimodality imaging

Atrial cardiomyopathy (AC) has been defined by the European Heart Rhythm Association as "Any complex of structural, architectural, contractile, or electrophysiologic changes in the atria with the potential to produce clinically relevant manifestations".1 The left atrium (LA) plays a key role in maintaining normal cardiac function; in fact atrial dysfunction has emerged as an essential determinant of outcomes in different clinical scenarios, such as valvular diseases, heart failure (HF), coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). A comprehensive evaluation, both anatomical and functional, is routinely performed in cardiac imaging laboratories. Recent advances in imaging techniques offer opportunities for evaluation of LA function, fundamental in clinical practice for early cardiovascular (CV) risk estimation, choice of therapeutic intervention and follow up. In this review we explore the concept of AC, its diagnosis through a multimodal approach, ranging from the historical electrocardiogram to the latest CV imaging techniques and its clinical implications.

Atrial Cardiomyopathy: From Diagnosis to Treatment

With a better understanding of the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation (AF) and the thrombogenicity of the left atrium, the concept of atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) has emerged. The conventional viewpoint holds that AF-associated hemodynamic disturbances and thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage are the primary causes of cardiogenic embolism events. However, substantial evidence suggests that the relationship between cardiogenic embolism and AF is not so absolute, and that ACM may be an important, underestimated contributor to cardiogenic embolism events. Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress response, lipid accumulation, and fibrosis leading to ACM form the foundation for AF. Furthermore, persistent AF can exacerbate structural and electrical remodeling, as well as mechanical dysfunction of the atria, creating a vicious cycle. To date, the relationship between ACM, AF, and cardiogenic embolism remains unclear. Additionally, many clinicians still lack a comprehensive understanding of the concept of ACM. In this review, we first appraise the definition of ACM and subsequently summarize the noninvasive and feasible diagnostic techniques and criteria for clinical practice. These include imaging modalities such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, as well as electrocardiograms, serum biomarkers, and existing practical diagnostic criteria. Finally, we discuss management strategies for ACM, encompassing "upstream therapy" targeting risk factors, identifying and providing appropriate anticoagulation for patients at high risk of stroke/systemic embolism events, and controlling heart rhythm along with potential atrial substrate improvements.

Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Very High Risk for Stroke and Adverse Events-Insights from the Observational ARENA Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of stroke. An individual risk estimation remains challenging, as AF patients with and without cerebrovascular event (CVE) may differ in yet unknown factors beyond those covered by the CHA2DS2-VASc score. We aimed to identify differences between AF patients with and without CVE with regard to AF characteristics and treatment, vascular risk factors and comorbidities, prognosis and outcome. Methods: We analyzed patients included in the Atrial Fibrillation Rhine-Neckar Region (ARENA) Project, an observational cohort study of patients with AF. Patients were recruited by their general practitioner or during a hospital stay and were divided into two groups for the present analysis: patients with acute CVE at baseline and/or history of CVE versus patients without CVE. Follow-up at 1 year was conducted via phone call. Results: Of 2061 included patients (60.6% male), 292 (14.2%) belonged to the CVE group. Patients in the CVE group were older (mean age 74.6 versus 71.7 years; p < 0.001) and had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score at baseline (5.3 versus 3.3 points; p < 0.001) based on the preceding CVE. Moreover, patients with either acute or chronic CVE had a larger left atrium (median diameter 47/46 mm versus 44 mm; p = 0.001). Patients with acute CVE had structural heart diseases (p < 0.001) less frequently than patients with previous or without CVE. Mortality at 1 year (HR 1.95; 95%-CI 1.37-2.78) was more frequent in the CVE group (p < 0.001). During 1-year of follow-up, stroke occurred more frequently in survivors with CVE (2.9% versus 0%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: AF patients with CVE have a significantly worse prognosis than AF patients without CVE. Atrial structural remodeling, underlying cardiovascular disease, stroke-induced heart injury and further unidentified factors may account for this finding. Characterization of AF patients including echocardiography to detect atrial structural remodeling may be helpful in risk stratification beyond classical scores.

Automatic Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Atrial Function for Prediction of Low-Voltage Areas in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

Purpose

Left atrial low-voltage areas (LA-LVAs) identified by 3D-electroanatomical mapping are crucial for determining treatment strategies and prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, convenient and accurate prediction of LA-LVAs remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the viability of utilizing automatically obtained echocardiographic parameters to predict the presence of LA-LVAs in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study included 190 NVAF patients who underwent initial catheter ablation. Before ablation, echocardiographic data were obtained, left atrial volume and strain were automatically calculated using advanced software (Dynamic-HeartModel and AutoStrain). Electroanatomic mapping (EAM) was also performed. Results were compared between patients with LA-LVAs ≥5% (LVAs group) and <5% (non-LVAs group).

Results

LA-LVAs were observed in 81 patients (42.6%), with a significantly higher incidence in those with persistent AF than paroxysmal AF (55.6% vs 19.3%, P <0.001). Compared with the non-LVAs group, the LVAs group included significantly older patients, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher heart rate, and higher E/e' ratio (P <0.05). The LVAs group exhibited higher left atrial volumemax index (LAVimax) and lower left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) (P <0.001). In multivariate analysis, both LAVimax and LASr emerged as independent indicators of LVAs (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.80-0.90, P<0.001) and (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.29, P =0.021). ROC analysis demonstrated good predictive capacity for LA-LVAs, with an AUC of 0.733 (95% CI 0.650-0.794, P <0.001) for LAVimax and 0.839 (95% CI 0.779-0.898, P <0.001) for LASr.

Conclusion

Automatic assessment of LAVimax and LASr presents a promising non-invasive modality for predicting the presence of LA-LVAs and evaluating significant atrial remodeling in NVAF patients. This approach holds potential for aiding in risk stratification and treatment decision-making, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in patients.

The disease progression of end-stage atrial cardiomyopathy over three decades: a case report

Background

Atrial cardiomyopathy (AtCM) has drawn attention as the pathophysiology related to cardiovascular events such as atrial tachyarrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and embolic stroke. As the concept of AtCM is relatively recent, the long-term clinical course of AtCM has not been reported.

Case summary

Here, we describe a 78-year-old patient diagnosed with end-stage AtCM. He had started to visit our hospital due to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy over three decades since the age of 45. During follow-up, he experienced cardiogenic embolism and pacemaker implantation due to sick sinus syndrome. At this time, he complained of palpitation due to AF and underwent catheter ablation. Regardless of de novo ablation, left atrial voltage mapping showed ultimately extensive scar in left atrium and pulmonary vein, suggesting that conventional AF ablation strategy was ineffective. From this finding, he was diagnosed with end-stage AtCM. In the review of the previous 12-lead electrocardiogram, P-wave amplitude was decreased, and PR duration was prolonged gradually. We performed only cavotricuspid isthmus ablation and ended the ablation session. After six months, he complained of dyspnoea on effort due to pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, before the cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) upgrade, left atrial appendage thrombus was detected even under the administration of apixaban. After thrombolysis with warfarin, CRT-D upgrade the left ventricular ejection fraction was improved.

Discussion

In this case, the patient slowly developed end-stage AtCM and experienced multiple cardiovascular events related to severe AtCM. We should care for the disease progression of AtCM with vigilance.

Direct oral anticoagulants in embolic stroke of undetermined source: an updated meta-analysis

The efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) remains unclear. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing DOACs versus aspirin in patients with ESUS. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed for binary endpoints. Four RCTs comprising 13,970 patients were included. Compared with aspirin, DOACs showed no significant reduction of recurrent stroke (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.84-1.09; p = 0.50; I2 = 0%), ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.80-1.17; p = 0.72; I2 = 0%), ischemic stroke (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.79-1.06; p = 0.23; I2 = 0%), and all-cause mortality (RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.87-1.42; p = 0.39; I2 = 0%). DOACs increased the risk of clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNB) (RR 1.52; 95% CI 1.20-1.93; p < 0.01; I2 = 7%) compared with aspirin, while no significant difference was observed in major bleeding between groups (RR 1.57; 95% CI 0.87-2.83; p = 0.14; I2 = 63%). In a subanalysis of patients with non-major risk factors for cardioembolism, there is no difference in recurrent stroke (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.67-1.42; p = 0.90; I2 = 0%), all-cause mortality (RR 1.24; 95% CI 0.58-2.66; p = 0.57; I2 = 0%), and major bleeding (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32-3.08; p = 1.00; I2 = 0%) between groups. In patients with ESUS, DOACs did not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, or all-cause mortality. Although there was a significant increase in clinically relevant non-major bleeding, major bleeding was similar between DOACs and aspirin.

Assessment of Left Atrial Fibrosis by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Ischemic Stroke Patients Without Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Left atrial (LA) fibrosis is a marker of atrial cardiomyopathy and has been reported to be associated with both atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke. Elucidating this relationship is clinically important as LA fibrosis could serve as a surrogate biomarker of LA cardiomyopathy. The objective of this study is to investigate the association of LA fibrosis and embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Following an International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews-registered protocol, 3 blinded reviewers performed a systematic review for studies that quantified the degree of LA fibrosis in patients with ESUS as compared with healthy patients from inception to February 2024. A meta-analysis was conducted in the mean difference. From 7 studies (705 patients), there was a significantly higher degree of LA fibrosis in patients with ESUS compared with healthy controls (MD, 5.71% [95% CI, 3.55%-7.87%], P<0.01). The degree of LA fibrosis was significantly higher in patients with atrial fibrillation than healthy controls (MD, 8.22% [95% CI, 5.62%-10.83%], P<0.01). A similar degree of LA fibrosis was observed in patients with ESUS compared with patients with atrial fibrillation (MD, -0.92% [95% CI, -2.29% to 0.44%], P=0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly higher degree of LA fibrosis was found in patients with ESUS as compared with healthy controls. This suggests that LA fibrosis may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of ESUS. Further research is warranted to investigate LA fibrosis as a surrogate biomarker of atrial cardiomyopathy and recurrent stroke risk in patients with ESUS.

Atrial cardiopathy biomarkers and atrial fibrillation in the ARCADIA trial

BACKGROUND

ARCADIA compared apixaban to aspirin for secondary stroke prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke and atrial cardiopathy. One possible explanation for the neutral result is that biomarkers used did not optimally identify atrial cardiopathy. We examined the relationship between biomarker levels and subsequent detection of AF, the hallmark of atrial cardiopathy.

METHODS

Patients were randomized if they met criteria for atrial cardiopathy, defined as P-wave terminal force >5000 μV*ms in ECG lead V1 (PTFV1), NT-proBNP >250 pg/mL, or left atrial diameter index (LADI) ⩾3 cm/m2. For this analysis, the outcome was AF detected per routine care.

RESULTS

Of 3745 patients who consented to screening for atrial cardiopathy, 254 were subsequently diagnosed with AF; 96 before they could be randomized and 158 after randomization. In unadjusted analyses, ln(NT-proBNP) (RR per SD, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.85-2.13), PTFV1 (RR per SD, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.28) and LADI (RR per SD, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.20-1.50) were associated with AF. In a model containing all 3 biomarkers, demographics, and AF risk factors, age (RR per 10 years, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09-1.41), ln(NT-proBNP) (RR per SD, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.67-2.11) and LADI (RR per SD, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.14-1.37) were associated with AF. These three variables together had a c-statistic of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.79-0.85) but only modest calibration. Discrimination was attenuated in sensitivity analyses of patients eligible for randomization who may have been more closely followed for AF.

CONCLUSIONS

Biomarkers used to identify atrial cardiopathy in ARCADIA were moderately predictive of subsequent AF.

Ischemic stroke and the emerging role of left atrial function

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that left atrial (LA) dysfunction could play a role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, as a possible contributor and as a predictive biomarker.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review details the intricate relationship between LA function, atrial fibrillation (AF), and ischemic stroke. We discuss imaging techniques used to assess LA function, the mechanisms by which impaired LA function may contribute to stroke, and its potential as a prognostic marker of stroke.

EXPERT OPINION

There is a lack of evidence-based treatments of LA dysfunction in both primary and secondary stroke prevention. This is partly due to the lack of a practical clinical definition and unanswered questions concerning the clinical implications of LA dysfunction in patients without AF. Until such questions are resolved, addressing well-known cardiovascular risk factors, like hypertension and obesity, should be prioritized for preventing AF and ischemic stroke. These risk factors are closely tied to atrial remodeling, emphasizing the importance of targeting primary modifiable factors for preventing future morbidity and mortality.

Left atrial size modify the association between uric acid and atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The potential influence of left atrial size on the relationship between uric acid and atrial fibrillation has not been fully investigated. This study aims to evaluate the interaction effect of left atrial size on the association between uric acid and atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective cohort study, conducted from January 2018 to October 2022, included 2004 patients undergoing Drug-Eluting Stent implantation for coronary artery disease. Utilizing logistic regression models with the product of left atrial enlargement (LAE) and uric acid, interaction effects were assessed. Among the participants, 383 had LAE, and 159 experienced atrial fibrillation. After adjusting for covariates, continuous uric acid levels were associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients without LAE (OR:1.631, 95% CI: 1.284-2.072), but not in those with LAE (OR:1.069, 95% CI: 0.848-1.348). A significant interaction of uric acid levels was observed between groups with and without LAE (p = 0.046). Restricted cubic spline curves indicated a J-shaped relationship between uric acid and atrial fibrillation in the absence of LAE. However, the association between uric acid levels and atrial fibrillation in the LAE group remained unchanged with increasing uric acid levels.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that left atrial size modified the association between uric acid and atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease. Uric acid serves as a potential biomarker for atrial fibrillation risk, especially in individuals without LAE.

Cardiac-specific overexpression of CREM-IbΔC-X via CRISPR/Cas9 in mice presents a new model of atrial cardiomyopathy with spontaneous atrial fibrillation

Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) forms the substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF) and underlies the potential for atrial thrombus formation and subsequent stroke. However, generating stable animal models that accurately replicate the entire progression of atrial lesions, particularly the onset of AF, presents significant challenges. In the present study, we found that the isoform of CRE-binding protein modulator (CREM-IbΔC-X), which is involved in the regulation of cardiac development and atrial rhythm, was highly expressed in atrial biopsies from patients with AF. Building upon this finding, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a mouse model with cardiac-specific overexpression of CREM-IbΔC-X (referred to as CS-CREM mice). This animal model effectively illustrated the development of ACM through electrophysiological and structural remodelings over time. Proteomics and Chip-qPCR analysis of atrial samples revealed significant upregulation of cell-matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix structural components, alongside significant downregulation of genes related to atrial functions in the CS-CREM mice. Furthermore, the corresponding responses to anti-arrhythmia drugs, i.e., amiodarone and propafenone, suggested that CS-CREM mice could serve as an ideal in vivo model for drug testing. Our study introduced a novel ACM model with spontaneous AF by cardiac-specifically overexpressing CREM-IbΔC-X in mice, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of ACM.

Application of left atrial strain derived from cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking to predict cardiovascular disease: A comprehensive review

The structural and functional changes of the left atrium (LA)are important for maintaining the filling of the left ventricle (LV), whether the hemodynamics is stable or not, and are valuable for evaluating LV diastolic dysfunction and grading the severity. Studies over the past decade have shown that LA structural alterations are linked to several cardiovascular disorders, and LA enlargement has been identified as a strong predictor of several cardiovascular diseases. However, LA structural or volumetric abnormalities are commonly seen in the advanced stages of disease and do not adequately represent functional changes throughout the cardiac cycle. In recent years, LA strain obtained using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT)technology has been shown to provide early monitoring of LA tension damage while also comprehensively reflecting LA functional changes in three phases, providing deeper insights into cardiovascular disease risk, prognosis of cardiovascular disease, and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. When compared to the ultrasound speckle tracking approach, the CMR-FT technique provides improved spatial resolution, repeatability, and reproducibility. We report a comprehensive review of the most recent studies on CMR-LA strain in the past five years, including normal reference values, early detection of disease, incremental diagnosis, improvement of risk stratification, assessment of the value of atrial-ventricular hemodynamics and coupled injury, major adverse cardiovascular events and prognostic value, as well as future research perspectives and current limitations, aiming at providing an objective reference for the further exploration of the value of the application of CMR-LA strain in various cardiac disorders.

Atrial myopathy

This paper delves into the progressive concept of atrial myopathy, shedding light on its development and its impact on atrial characteristics. It extensively explores the intricate connections between atrial myopathy, atrial fibrillation (AF), and strokes. Researchers have sought additional contributors to AF-related strokes due to the absence of a clear timing correlation between paroxysmal AF episodes and strokes in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Through various animal models and human investigations, a close interrelation among aging, inflammation, oxidative stress, and stretching mechanisms has been identified. These mechanisms contribute to fibrosis, alterations in electrical properties, autonomic remodeling, and a heightened pro-thrombotic state. These interconnected factors establish a detrimental cycle, exacerbating atrial myopathy and elevating the risk of sustained AF and strokes. By emphasizing the significance of atrial myopathy and the risk of strokes that are distinct from AF, the paper also discusses methods for identifying patients with atrial myopathy. Moreover, it proposes an approach to incorporate the concept of atrial myopathy into clinical practice to guide anticoagulation decisions in individuals with AF.

Frequency and risk factors of atrial fibrillation after acute abdominal surgery: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Scarce data exist on the true incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after acute abdominal surgery and associated outcomes. The current study aimed to identify the frequencies of clinically recognized POAF and associated complications, along with their risk factors.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, single-center cohort study of unselected adult patients referred for acute abdominal surgery during a 3-month period. Through careful review, demographics, comorbidity, and surgical characteristics were prospectively drawn from medical charts. The primary outcome was clinically recognized POAF occurring in-hospital. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors of POAF and associated complications. A subgroup was enrolled in a feasibility study of peri- and postoperative continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring.

RESULTS

In total, 450 patients were enrolled. Clinically recognized in-hospital POAF was observed in 22 patients (4.9%). All cases were observed in patients aged ≥60 years, corresponding to 22 of 164 patients (13.4%). Multiple risk factors were observed, such as age, prior atrial fibrillation, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, and major (vs. minor) surgery. POAF was associated with severe in-hospital complications (POAF group 45.5% vs. non-POAF group 8.6%, p < .001) and in-hospital mortality (POAF group 13.6% vs. non-POAF group 3.0%, p = .043). In total, 295 patients were monitored by continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring for 12,148 h, yielding five patients with asymptomatic AF.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this prospective study of POAF in patients undergoing acute abdominal surgery showed that one in 20 patients developed clinically recognized in-hospital POAF. Multiple risk factors of POAF were identified. POAF was associated with severe complications up to 30 days after surgery.

Apixaban to Prevent Recurrence After Cryptogenic Stroke in Patients With Atrial Cardiopathy: The ARCADIA Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Atrial cardiopathy is associated with stroke in the absence of clinically apparent atrial fibrillation. It is unknown whether anticoagulation, which has proven benefit in atrial fibrillation, prevents stroke in patients with atrial cardiopathy and no atrial fibrillation.

Objective

To compare anticoagulation vs antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke and evidence of atrial cardiopathy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Multicenter, double-blind, phase 3 randomized clinical trial of 1015 participants with cryptogenic stroke and evidence of atrial cardiopathy, defined as P-wave terminal force greater than 5000 μV × ms in electrocardiogram lead V1, serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level greater than 250 pg/mL, or left atrial diameter index of 3 cm/m2 or greater on echocardiogram. Participants had no evidence of atrial fibrillation at the time of randomization. Enrollment and follow-up occurred from February 1, 2018, through February 28, 2023, at 185 sites in the National Institutes of Health StrokeNet and the Canadian Stroke Consortium.

Interventions

Apixaban, 5 mg or 2.5 mg, twice daily (n = 507) vs aspirin, 81 mg, once daily (n = 508).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary efficacy outcome in a time-to-event analysis was recurrent stroke. All participants, including those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after randomization, were analyzed according to the groups to which they were randomized. The primary safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and other major hemorrhage.

Results

With 1015 of the target 1100 participants enrolled and mean follow-up of 1.8 years, the trial was stopped for futility after a planned interim analysis. The mean (SD) age of participants was 68.0 (11.0) years, 54.3% were female, and 87.5% completed the full duration of follow-up. Recurrent stroke occurred in 40 patients in the apixaban group (annualized rate, 4.4%) and 40 patients in the aspirin group (annualized rate, 4.4%) (hazard ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.64-1.55]). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 0 patients taking apixaban and 7 patients taking aspirin (annualized rate, 1.1%). Other major hemorrhages occurred in 5 patients taking apixaban (annualized rate, 0.7%) and 5 patients taking aspirin (annualized rate, 0.8%) (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.29-3.52]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with cryptogenic stroke and evidence of atrial cardiopathy without atrial fibrillation, apixaban did not significantly reduce recurrent stroke risk compared with aspirin.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03192215.

Clinical Characteristics and Rhythm Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Myopathy After Successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Although successful atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can maintain sinus rhythm and reduce the left atrial (LA) dimension, blunted LA reverse remodeling can be observed in patients with atrial myopathy. We explored the potential mechanisms and long-term outcomes in patients with blunted LA reverse remodeling after successful AF catheter ablation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 1685 patients who underwent baseline and 1-year follow-up echocardiograms, had a baseline LA dimension ≥40 mm, and did not have a recurrence of AF within a year. The patients were divided into tertile groups according to the delta value of the change in LA dimension on the preprocedure and 1-year postprocedure echocardiography. After propensity score matching for age, sex, AF type, and LA dimension, 1272 patients were finally included in the analyses (424 in each group; the least/blunted, moderate, and the most reverse remodeling group). The patients in the T1 group (blunted LA reverse remodeling) were independently associated with higher left ventricular mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.014 [95% CI, 1.005-1.022], P=0.001), change in ΔH2FPEF score (heavy, hypertensive, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, elder, filling pressure) score (OR, 1.445 [95% CI, 1.121-1.861], P=0.004), ventricular epicardial adipose tissue volume (OR, 1.010 [95% CI, 1.003-1.017], P=0.003), thinner LA wall thickness (OR, 0.461 [95% CI, 0.271-0.785], P=0.004), lower LA voltage (OR, 0.670 [95% CI, 0.499-0.899], P=0.008), and showed higher long-term AF recurrence (log-rank P<0.001) than other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Blunted LA reverse remodeling after AF catheter ablation, which is suggestive of atrial myopathy, was independently associated with a larger ventricular epicardial adipose tissue volume and worsening of H2FPEF score. Blunted LA reverse remodeling after AF catheter ablation was also an independent predictor for higher recurrences of AF post-1-year AF catheter ablation.

Optimal Antithrombotic Regimen After Cryptogenic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Although several antithrombotic strategies have been investigated for the management of cryptogenic strokes, ie, ischemic strokes without known etiologies, an optimal antithrombotic strategy for cryptogenic strokes is unknown. We aim to assess oral antithrombotic agents' comparative efficacy and safety after cryptogenic stroke to identify an optimal treatment.A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) obtained from PubMed, Embase Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science until February 2024. We used the random-effects model to report dichotomous outcomes using a risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted using R, version 4.3.1.Seven RCTs with 15,240 patients were included. None of the OACs showed a significant efficacy in preventing all-cause mortality, stroke recurrence, cardiovascular mortality, and major adverse cardiac events compared to aspirin. Also, safety measures were similar between different OACs and aspirin regarding safety measures, including major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. However, only rivaroxaban significantly increased the incidence of major bleeding (RR: 2.69, CI [1.67, 4.33]).There was no difference between various OACs and aspirin regarding efficacy and safety outcomes. There is a greater risk of major bleeding with rivaroxaban. Further research is still warranted to define a personalized strategy for selecting antithrombotic strategies after cryptogenic stroke on a case-by-case basis.

Myocardial strain of the left ventricle by speckle tracking echocardiography: From physics to clinical practice

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a reliable imaging technique of recognized clinical value in several settings. This method uses the motion of ultrasound backscatter speckles within echocardiographic images to derive myocardial velocities and deformation parameters, providing crucial insights on several cardiac pathological and physiological processes. Its feasibility, reproducibility, and accuracy have been widely demonstrated, being myocardial strain of the various chambers inserted in diagnostic algorithms and guidelines for various pathologies. The most important parameters are Global longitudinal strain (GLS), Left atrium (LA) reservoir strain, and Global Work Index (GWI): based on large studies the average of the lower limit of normality are -16%, 23%, and 1442 mmHg%, respectively. For GWI, it should be pointed out that myocardial work relies primarily on non-invasive measurements of blood pressure and segmental strain, both of which exhibit high variability, and thus, this variability constitutes a significant limitation of this parameter. In this review, we describe the principal aspects of the theory behind the use of myocardial strain, from cardiac mechanics to image acquisition techniques, outlining its limitation, and its principal clinical applications: in particular, GLS have a role in determine subclinical myocardial dysfunction (in cardiomyopathies, cardiotoxicity, target organ damage in ambulatory patients with arterial hypertension) and LA strain in determine the risk of AF, specifically in ambulatory patients with arterial hypertension.

Left Atrial Strain and Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent in older adults and associated with left atrial (LA) dysfunction. LA strain (LAε) and LA strain rate (LASR) may detect subclinical LA disease. We investigated whether reduced LAε and LASR predict new-onset AF in older adults without history of AF or stroke. LAε and LASR were assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography in 824 participants from the community-based Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions study. Positive longitudinal LAε and LASR during ventricular systole, LASR during early ventricular diastole, and LASR during LA contraction were measured. Cause-specific hazards regression model evaluated the association of LAε and LASR with incident AF, adjusting for pertinent covariates. The mean age was 71.1 ± 9.2 years (313 men, 511 women). During a mean follow-up of 10.9 years, new-onset AF occurred in 105 participants (12.7%). Lower LAε and LASR at baseline were observed in patients with new-onset AF (all p <0.01). In multivariable analysis, positive longitudinal LAε (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] per SD decrease 2.05, confidence interval [CI] 1.24 to 3.36) and LASR during LA contraction (HR per SD increase 2.24, CI 1.37 to 3.65) remained associated with new-onset AF, independently of LA volumes and left ventricular function. Along with positive longitudinal LAε, reduced LASR during ventricular systole predicted AF in participants with LA volume below the median value (HR 2.54, CI 1.10 to 6.09), whereas reduced LASR during LA contraction predicted AF in participants with larger LA (HR 2.35, CI 1.31 to 4.23). In conclusion, reduced positive longitudinal LAε and LASR predict new-onset AF in older adults regardless of LA size and may improve AF risk stratification.

Atrial cardiomyopathy: An entity of emerging interest in the clinical setting

Since 1995, the concept of atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) has been associated with myocardial fibrosis. Despite a consensus document in 2016, ACM's definition primarily relies on histopathological findings. The focus on diagnostic criteria for ACM is driven by the potential link to thromboembolic events even independently on atrial fibrillation (AF). The complexity of the mutual relationships between ACM and AF makes difficult any assessment of the thromboembolic risk associated to ACM per se. ACM's thrombogenicity is a multifaceted clinical phenomenon involving electrical, functional, and structural modifications. Factors such as cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension), common cardiac comorbidities (e.g., heart failure), and extracardiac conditions (e.g., neuromuscular disorders) can promote atrial derangement, triggering atrial fibrillation (AF) and increasing the risk of thromboembolic events. Several diagnostic methods are available to detect the key features of ACM, including electrical changes assessed by surface and intracavitary ECG, and structural and functional alterations evaluated through echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). These methods can be complemented by electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) to enhance the accuracy of myocardial tissue characterization and assessment of atrial fibrosis. Although certain clinical conditions (e.g., atrial high-rate episodes, AHREs; embolic stroke of undetermined source, ESUS) often exhibit atrial alterations in their thromboembolic presentations, recent randomized trials have failed to demonstrate the benefits of oral anticoagulation in patients with ACM without AF. However, ACM constitutes the substrate for the development of AF, as proposed in the AF European guidelines under the 4S-AF scheme. This review emphasizes the lack of a diagnostic gold standard and the need for clinical criteria for ACM, aiming to better understand the potential therapeutic implications of atrial structural and functional derangements, even in the absence of clinical evidence of AF.

Risk of cardioembolic ischemic events and relation to atrial fibrillation/flutter in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy during a long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart disease characterized by fibro-fatty replacement of myocardium. Limited data is available concerning cardioembolic stroke. This study sought to determine the occurrence of cardioembolic ischemic events (CIEs) in ACM patients and to identify clinical and imaging predictors of CIEs.

METHODS

Every consecutive ACM patient was enrolled. ECG, Holter monitoring or implantable cardiac devices were used to detect atrial arrhythmias (AAs). CIEs were defined according to TOAST classification.

RESULTS

In our cohort of 111 patients, CIEs were observed in eleven (10%) over a 12.9-year median follow-up, with an incidence of 7.9 event/1000 patient-year (HR 4.12 compared to general population). Mean age at the event was 42 ± 9 years. Female sex (p = 0.03), T-wave inversion (p = 0.03), RVOT dilatation (p = 0.006) and lower LVEF (p = 0.006) were associated with CIEs. Among patients with AAs (23/111, 20.7%), 5 (21.7%) experienced CIEs. CHA2DS2-VASc did not prove useful to define patients at higher risk of CIEs (p = 0.098). 60% of stroke suffering patients had a pre-event score between 0 and 1 (if female).

CONCLUSIONS

In ACM patients, CIEs are much more common than in general population and present a high burden at younger age. AAs relate to less than half of these events. In AAs patients, CHA2DS2-VASc is not useful to stratify those requiring oral anticoagulation. As a hypothesis-generating study, our research proposes the role of atrial myopathy, irrespective of AAs, as a pivotal factor in thrombogenesis risk, pointing out a definite unmet need in ACM therapeutic algorithm.

Prognostic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heavily Calcified Coronary Artery Disease Receiving Rotational Atherectomy

Background and Objectives: Although both rotational atherectomy (RA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) have a high thrombotic risk, there have been no previous studies on the prognostic impact of AF in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using RA. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the prognostic impact of AF in patients undergoing PCI using RA. Materials and Methods: A total of 540 patients who received PCI using RA were enrolled between January 2010 and October 2019. Patients were divided into AF and sinus rhythm groups according to the presence of AF. The primary endpoint was net adverse clinical events (NACEs) defined as a composite outcome of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, cerebrovascular accident, or total bleeding. Results: Although in-hospital adverse events showed no difference between those with AF and those without AF (in-hospital events, 54 (11.0%) vs. 6 (12.2%), p = 0.791), AF was strongly associated with an increased risk of NACE at 3 years (NACE: hazard ratio, 1.880; 95% confidence interval, 1.096-3.227; p = 0.022). Conclusions: AF in patients who underwent PCI using RA was strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes. Thus, more attention should be paid to thrombotic and bleeding risks.

The value of left atrial longitudinal strain in evaluating left atrial appendage spontaneous echo contrast in non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Background

Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) observed in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a reliable predictor of the risk of future ischemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Left atrial strain globally reflects atrial function, remodeling and distensibility. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a myogenic remnant of the left atrium, which can actively relax and contract. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is an important part of releasing the pressure of the left atrium. The key role of the left atrium is to regulate the left ventricular filling pressure, act as a reservoir for pulmonary venous return during ventricular contraction, and act as a conduit, transferring blood to the Left ventricle during early ventricular diastole. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between left atrial function and left atrial appendage spontaneous echo contrast (LAASEC).

Methods

A retrospective study of 338 patients with non-valvular AF was conducted. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography provided the following metrics of LA strain: LA strain during the reservoir phase (LASr), LA strain during the conduit phase (LAScd). LA or LAA has the dense SEC of more than grade 3, which is defined as mud like change or pre thrombosis.

Results

Patients with level 3 SEC (n = 81) has lower LASr than those with lower grades of SEC (n = 257) (7.20 ± 3.70 vs. 17.48 ± 8.67, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression model showed that the type of atrial fibrillation (persistent∼), increased heart rate, decreased LASr were independently associated with the dense LAASEC (OR (CI 95%), 5.558 (1.618-19.09), 1.016 (1.006-1.026) 0.002, 1.224 (1.085-1.381), both P < 0.01). Venn Diagram showed that lower CHADVASC2 score groups had dense SEC cases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for analyzing results and selecting cut off values. The cut off point for LASr < 8.85% and CHADVASC2 score was >2 scores with sensitivity and specificity were 79% and 85%.

Conclusion

Lower LASr is independently associated with the dense LAASEC in NVAF and has incremental values superior to clinical scores. The decrease of LASr may be a potential non-invasive parameter for evaluating the higher risk of LAA thrombosis.

Trends in worldwide research on cardiac fibrosis over the period 1989-2022: a bibliometric study

Background

Cardiac fibrosis is a hallmark of various end-stage cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and a potent contributor to adverse cardiovascular events. During the past decades, extensive publications on this topic have emerged worldwide, while a bibliometric analysis of the current status and research trends is still lacking.

Methods

We retrieved relevant 13,446 articles on cardiac fibrosis published between 1989 and 2022 from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Bibliometrix was used for science mapping of the literature, while VOSviewer and CiteSpace were applied to visualize co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence, and bibliographic coupling networks.

Results

We identified four major research trends: (1) pathophysiological mechanisms; (2) treatment strategies; (3) cardiac fibrosis and related CVDs; (4) early diagnostic methods. The most recent and important research themes such as left ventricular dysfunction, transgenic mice, and matrix metalloproteinase were generated by burst analysis of keywords. The reference with the most citations was a contemporary review summarizing the role of cardiac fibroblasts and fibrogenic molecules in promoting fibrogenesis following myocardial injury. The top 3 most influential countries were the United States, China, and Germany, while the most cited institution was Shanghai Jiao Tong University, followed by Nanjing Medical University and Capital Medical University.

Conclusions

The number and impact of global publications on cardiac fibrosis has expanded rapidly over the past 30 years. These results are in favor of paving the way for future research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

Multimodality imaging assessment of the Biatrial remodeling of the burden of atrial high-rate episodes in patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices

AIMS

The underlying mechanisms of atrial remodeling in cardiac implanted electronic device(CIED)-detected atrial high-rate episodes(AHRE) remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

A cardiac computed tomography and a strain echocardiography were performed to delineate the structural and functional characteristics of both atria. Biatrial volumes, emptying fraction(EF) and peak atrial longitudinal/contractile strain(PALS/PACS) were evaluated. All AHRE were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 80 CIED patients with AHRE were categorized by AHRE duration into 3 groups: Group 1: <6 min(n = 42), Group 2: 6 min ∼ 6 h(n = 23), and Group 3: >6 h(n = 15). Left atrial(LA) maximal volume(V_max), atrial precontraction volume(V_apc), minimal volume(V_min), LAEF, and PALS/PACS were all increasingly worsened among the patients in the 3 groups (p value for trend <0.05). Compared to Group 1, Group 2 had decreased LA PALS/PACS. There was no significant difference in LA volume or EF between Group 1 and 2. Group 3 had enlarged biatrial volumes (LAV_max: 57.1(SD 16.0) vs. 45.4(SD 9.2) mL/m², p = 0.002; LAV_min: 42.6(SD 18.2) vs. 28.2(SD 7.2) mL/m², p < 0.001), impaired total LAEF (28.0(SD 13.7) vs. 38.2(SD 7.7)%, p = 0.004) and reduced PALS/PACS compared to Group 1. Atrial remodeling in those with AHRE >6 h had increased LA volumes, impaired LAEF and reduced PALS/PACS compared to those with AHRE <6 h.

CONCLUSION

Functional remodeling of the atria manifested after AHRE >6 min. Increased biatrial volumes and decreased LA reservoir and pump function occurred when AHRE were > 6 h. These LA structural and functional may be considered surrogate imaging markers for stroke risk assessment in patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc ≥2 and AHRE.

Early atrial remodeling predicts the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with metabolic syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

Background

This study aims to assess the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) in patients with new-onset metabolic syndrome (MetS) and investigate whether ACM could be a predictor of hospital admission for cardiovascular (CV) events.

Methods

Patients with MetS who were free of clinically proven atrial fibrillation and other CV diseases (CVDs) at baseline were included in the present study. The prevalence of ACM was compared between MetS patients with and without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The time to first hospital admission for a CV event between subgroups was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 15,528 MetS patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, LVH patients accounted for 25.6% of all newly diagnosed MetS patients. ACM occurred in 52.9% of the cohort and involved 74.8% of LVH patients. Interestingly, a significant percentage of ACM patients (45.4%) experienced MetS without LVH. After 33.2 ± 20.6 months of follow-up, 7,468 (48.1%) patients had a history of readmission due to CV events. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that ACM was associated with an increased risk of admission for CVDs in the MetS patients with LVH [hazard ratio (HR), 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.142-1.458; P < 0.001]. Likewise, ACM was found to be independently associated with hospital readmission due to CVD-related events in MetS patients without LVH (HR, 1.175; 95% CI, 1.105-1.250; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

ACM is a marker of early myocardial remodeling and predicts hospitalization for CV events in patients with MetS.

Prediabetes Is Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Failure Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between prediabetes and heart failure (HF) and the association of HF with changes in glycemic status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) between 2015 and 2018 were divided into three groups (normoglycemia, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes) according to their baseline glycemic status. The primary outcome was incident HF. The Fine and Gray competing risks model was applied, with death defined as the competing event.

RESULTS

Among 17,943 patients with AF (mean age 75.5 years, 47% female), 3,711 (20.7%) had prediabetes, and 10,127 (56.4%) had diabetes at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 4.7 years, HF developed in 518 (14%) patients with normoglycemia, 646 (15.7%) with prediabetes, and 1,795 (17.7%) with diabetes. Prediabetes was associated with an increased risk of HF compared with normoglycemia (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.22). In patients with prediabetes at baseline, 403 (11.1%) progressed to diabetes, and 311 (8.6%) reversed to normoglycemia at 2 years. Compared with remaining prediabetic, progression to diabetes was associated with an increased risk of HF (SHR 1.50, 95% CI 1.13-1.97), whereas reversion to normoglycemia was associated with a decreased risk (SHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Prediabetes was associated with an increased risk of HF in patients with AF. Compared with patients who remained prediabetic, those who progressed to diabetes at 2 years experienced an increased risk of HF, whereas those who reversed to normoglycemia incurred a lower risk of HF.

Atrial fibrillation onset before heart failure or vice versa: what is worst? A nationwide register study

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. However, whether AF onset before HF or vice versa is associated with the worst outcome remains unclear. A consensus of large studies can guide future research and preventive strategies to better target high-risk patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included all Danish cases with the coexistence of AF and HF (2005-17) using nationwide registries. Patients were divided into three separate groups (i) AF before HF, (ii) HF before AF, or (iii) AF and HF diagnosed concurrently (±30 days). Adjusting landmark Cox analyses (index date was the time of the latter diagnosis of AF or HF) were used for evaluating the association of the three groups with a composite outcome of ischaemic stroke or death. Among a total of 49 042 patients included, 40% had AF before HF, 27% had HF before AF, and 33% had AF and HF diagnosed concurrently. The composite endpoint accrued more often in patients with HF before AF compared to the two other groups (<0.001), and this remained significant in the adjusted analyses with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.26 (1.22-1.30) compared to AF before HF. Finally, antihypertensive treatment, oral anticoagulants, amiodarone, statins, and AF ablation were associated with a lower hazard ratio of the composite endpoint (all < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large Danish national cohort, diagnosis of HF before AF was associated with an increased absolute risk of death compared to AF before HF and AF and HF diagnosed concurrently. Antihypertensive treatment, oral anticoagulants, amiodarone, statins, and AF ablation may improve prognosis.

CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict mortality in high cardiovascular risk population

BACKGROUND

The CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score, widely used to estimate cardioembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), appears to be useful also in predicting vascular adverse events and death in different sets of patients without AF. The R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score, which includes renal impairment, allows a better prediction of death and thromboembolism in patients without AF. The aims of our study were to assess, in a large sample of patients at high cardiovascular (CV) risk, (i) the correlation between CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc and R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc with all-cause mortality, and (ii) to compare the performances of CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc and R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc in predicting all-cause mortality.

METHODS

In this single-centre prospective observational study, conducted at the Research Hospital 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' between June 2016 and December 2018, 1017 CV patients at high risk of undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled.

RESULTS

CHA₂DS₂-VASc and R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc scores significantly associated with all-cause mortality. For each one-point increase in CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc or R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc scores, mortality increased by almost 1.5-fold. The R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score (C-statistic = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.65-76) outperformed the CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score (C-statistic = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.61-0.71) in predicting 4-year mortality (delta C-statistic = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.02-0.07). The better predictive ability of the R-CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score was also demonstrated by an IDI = 0.027 (95% CI = 0.021-0.034, p < .00001) and a relative IDI = 62.8% (95% CI = 47.9%-81.3%, p < .00001). The R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score correctly reclassified the patients with a NRI = 0.715 (95% = 0.544-0.940, p < .00001).

CONCLUSIONS

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc and R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc scores are useful predictors of all-cause mortality in subjects at high CV risk, with the R₂ CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score being the best performer.

Epidemiology of subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices: A systematic review and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

In recent years, attention to subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF), defined as the presence of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs), in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), has gained much interest as a determinant of clinical AF and stroke risk. We aim to perform a systematic review and meta-regression of the available scientific evidence regarding the epidemiology of SCAF in patients receiving CIEDs.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for all studies documenting the prevalence of AHREs in patients (n=100 or more, <50% with history of AF) with CIEDs from inception to 20th August 2021, screened by two independent blind reviewers. This study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42019106994.

RESULTS

Among the 2614 results initially retrieved, 54 studies were included, with a total of 72,784 patients. Meta-analysis of included studies showed a pooled prevalence of SCAF of 28.1% (95%CI: 24.3-32.1%), with high heterogeneity between studies (I²=98%). A multivariable meta-regression was able to explain significant proportion of heterogeneity (R²=61.9%, p<0.001), with age and follow-up time non-linearly, directly and independently associated with occurrence of SCAF. Older age, higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, history of AF, hypertension, CHF, and stroke/TIA were all associated with SCAF occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In this systematic review and meta-regression analysis, SCAF was frequent among CIED recipients and was non-linearly associated with age and follow-up time. Older age, higher thromboembolic risk, and several cardiovascular comorbidities were associated with presence of SCAF.

Atrial Flutter in Particular Patient Populations

"Despite being one of the best understood cardiac arrhythmias, the clinical meaning of atrial flutter varies according to the specific context, and its optimal treatment may be limited by both the suboptimal response to rate/rhythm control drugs and by the complexity of the underlying substrate. In this article, we present a state-of-the-art overview of mechanisms, prognostic impact, and medical/interventional management options for atrial flutter in several specific patient populations, including heart failure, cardiomyopathies, muscular dystrophies, posttransplant patients, patients with respiratory disorders, athletes, and subjects with preexcitation, aiming to stimulate further research in this challenging field and facilitate appropriate patient care."

CArdiac MagnEtic resonance assessment of bi-Atrial fibrosis in secundum atrial septal defects patients: CAMERA-ASD study

AIMS

Atrial septal defects (ASD) are associated with atrial arrhythmias, but the arrhythmia substrate in these patients is poorly defined. We hypothesized that bi-atrial fibrosis is present and that right atrial fibrosis is associated with atrial arrhythmias in ASD patients. We aimed to evaluate the extent of bi-atrial fibrosis in ASD patients and to investigate the relationships between bi-atrial fibrosis, atrial arrhythmias, shunt fraction, and age.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with uncorrected secundum ASDs (n = 36; 50.4 ± 13.6 years) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with atrial late gadolinium enhancement. Comparison was made to non-congenital heart disease patients (n = 36; 60.3 ± 10.5 years) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiac magnetic resonance parameters associated with atrial arrhythmias were identified and the relationship between bi-atrial structure, age, and shunt fraction studied. Bi-atrial fibrosis burden was greater in ASD patients than paroxysmal AF patients (20.7 ± 14% vs. 10.1 ± 8.6% and 14.8 ± 8.5% vs. 8.6 ± 6.1% for right and left atria respectively, P = 0.001 for both). In ASD patients, right atrial fibrosis burden was greater in those with than without atrial arrhythmias (33.4 ± 18.7% vs. 16.8 ± 10.3%, P = 0.034). On receiver operating characteristic analysis, a right atrial fibrosis burden of 32% had a 92% specificity and 71% sensitivity for predicting the presence of atrial arrhythmias. Neither age nor shunt fraction was associated with bi-atrial fibrosis burden.

CONCLUSION

Bi-atrial fibrosis burden is greater in ASD patients than non-congenital heart disease patients with paroxysmal AF. Right atrial fibrosis is associated with the presence of atrial arrhythmias in ASD patients. These findings highlight the importance of right atrial fibrosis to atrial arrhythmogenesis in ASD patients.

Clinical utility of left atrial strain in predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation: An up-to-date review

Rhythm control is the core part of the integrated management of atrial fibrillation (AF), especially in the early stages. Despite advances in catheter ablation (CA), the recurrence rate of AF after CA remains high. As a result, stratification and early management of AF recurrence after CA are critical. Currently, predictors of recurrence of AF after CA are mostly based on dysfunction caused by structural remodeling, apart from traditional risk factors. Atrial strain is a recently developed important parameter for detecting the deformability of atrial myocardium during the cardiac cycle prior to atrial remodeling. Although there is only preliminary evidence, atrial strain is still a promising parameter in predicting the recurrence of AF after CA at an early stage. This review focuses on the evaluation of atrial strain, the current applications of atrial strain in assessing atrial function, and predicting the recurrence of AF after CA. We summarize the contents related as follows: (1) CA for rhythm control in AF; (2) Evaluation methods of atrial strain; (3) Atrial strain in the remodeling and reverse remodeling of AF; and (4) Clinical applications of atrial strain in predicting the recurrence of AF after CA. Although there is accumulating evidence on the role of decreased atrial strain in the early prediction of AF recurrence, atrial strain is limited in clinical practice for lacking exact cut-off values and difficulty in distinguishing specific function phases of the atrium. More research is needed in the future to add strength to the early prediction value of atrial strain in AF recurrences.

The Atrium in Atrial Fibrillation - A Clinical Review on How to Manage Atrial Fibrotic Substrates

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in the population and is associated with a significant clinical and economic burden. Rigorous assessment of the presence and degree of an atrial arrhythmic substrate is essential for determining treatment options, predicting long-term success after catheter ablation, and as a substrate critical in the pathophysiology of atrial thrombogenesis. Catheter ablation of AF has developed into an essential rhythm-control strategy. Nowadays is one of the most common cardiac ablation procedures performed worldwide, with its success inversely related to the extent of atrial structural disease. Although atrial substrate evaluation remains complex, several diagnostic resources allow for a more comprehensive assessment and quantification of the extent of left atrial structural remodeling and the presence of atrial fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology, etiology, and electrophysiological aspects of atrial substrates promoting the development of AF. We also describe the risk factors for its development and how to diagnose its presence using imaging, electrocardiograms, and electroanatomic voltage mapping. Finally, we discuss recent data regarding fibrosis biomarkers that could help diagnose atrial fibrotic substrates.

Serum periostin as a predictor of early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation

Catheter ablation is an effective method of rhythm therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). AF recurrence is a common problem after catheter ablation. The aim of this study was to investigate influence factors of early recurrence after catheter ablation for AF. One hundred and three consecutive patients with AF were enrolled and underwent catheter ablation. Venous blood (Marked as A) was collected before ablation and left atrial blood (Marked as B) was collected after successful atrial septal puncture to detect serum periostin. After 3 months of follow-up, statistical analysis was made based on the recurrence of AF. 27 (26.2%) patients had a recurrence of atrial arrhythmia after catheter ablation. Patients with recurrent atrial arrhythmia had a larger left atrial volume (162.31 ± 47.76 vs. 141.98 ± 41.64,p = 0.039), and higher serum periostin levels (periostin A. 99.71 ± 16.475 vs. 90.36 ± 13.63, p = 0.005; periostin B. 103.95 ± 13.09 vs. 94.46 ± 15.85, p = 0.006) compared with the non-recurrent group. The numbers of patients with left atrial low-voltage areas (LVAs) were more in the recurrence group (p < 0.001). Left atrial volume, serum periostin and left atrial LVAs were included in univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis. It showed that left atrial LVAs (HR3.81; 95% CI 1.54 to 9.44; p = 0.004) and serum periostin A (HR1.07; 95% CI 1.02 to1.13; p = 0.008) were the independent predictors of AF recurrence. The cut-off value of serum periostin A was 87.95 ng/ ml (AUC, 0.681; sensitivity 88.9% and specificity 53.9%). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the recurrence rate of AF was higher in patients with left atrial LVAs and higher serum periostin. The venous serum periostin level and left atrial LVAs were independent predictors of early recurrence of AF after catheter ablation.

[Potential risk factors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon ablation]

Aim      To identify risk factors for recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) following cryoballoon ablation (CBA).Material and methods  This prospective study included patients with paroxysmal AF who had undergone CBA (141 patients, median age 60 years, 3% men). The evaluation prior to CBA included clinical instrumental parameters (electrocardiography (ECG), 24-h ECG monitoring, echocardiography, contrast-enhanced cardiac multispiral computed tomography). Also, possible intraoperative indexes that could affect the CBA effectivity, were evaluated. The postoperative follow-up duration was 12 months. Effectivity was assessed during in-person visits at 3, 6, and 12 months, when questioning of patients and 24-h ECG monitoring were performed. CBA was considered ineffective if the patient had recurrences of any atrial tachyarrhythmia longer than 30 sec after the end of the 3-month "blind" period.Results During the 12-month follow-up, recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia were observed in 46 (32.6 %) patients. Patients with ineffective CBA more frequently had AF during the first 3 months (71.7 % vs. 11.6 %; р&lt;0.001). Such patients had a history of multiple ineffective treatments with antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD), common pulmonary venous (PV) collector (41.3 % vs. 20.0 %; р=0.008), and stroke/recurrent ischemic attacks (15.2 % vs. 5.2 %; р=0.047). Multifactorial regression analysis showed that the factors of AF recurrence included common PV collector (relative risk (RR) 2.35; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.29-4.25; р=0.005), multiple ineffective AADs (RR 1.42; 95 % CI 1.08-1.86; р=0.011), and early AF recurrence (RR 7.57; 95 % CI 3.84-14.90; р&lt;0.001).Conclusion      Common PV collector and multiple ineffective AADs are risk factors of ineffective CBA. Early recurrences during the first 3 postoperative months are a significant risk factor of long-term AF recurrences.

Relationship between the distribution of left atrial low-voltage zones and post-ablation atrial arrhythmia recurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Low-voltage zones (LVZ) are surrogate markers for cardiac fibrosis, which contribute to the maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the distribution of left atrial (LA) LVZ on the outcome following catheter ablation.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients with AF who underwent initial catheter ablation. LVZ were defined as areas with bipolar voltage amplitude <0.5 mV. The left atrium was divided into six regions (anterior wall, roof, posterior wall, lateral wall, septum, and inferior wall) to describe the distribution of LVZ. The primary end point was atrial arrhythmia (AA) recurrence lasting >30 seconds after the initial catheter ablation.

RESULTS

Altogether, 148 patients were included, with a mean age of 61±11 years, of which 53 (35.8%) had persistent AF. During a mean follow-up of 14±3 months post-ablation, AA recurrence occurred in 25 (16.9%) patients after the initial catheter ablation. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients without roof LVZ had a higher AA-free survival rate than those with roof LVZ (P=0.047). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the proportion of LA LVZ ≥6% [hazard ratio (HR) 2.315, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.048-5.114; P=0.038] and a longer AF duration (HR 1.008, 95% CI 1.002-1.014; P=0.006) were independent predictors of AA recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AF, LA roof LVZ may increase the risk of AA recurrence after initial catheter ablation.

Association between CHARGE-AF risk score and LA mechanics: LA reservoir strain can be a single parameter for predicting AF risk

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia and the leading preventable cause of cardioembolic stroke. Scoring systems for predicting AF risk do not use imaging modalities. We sought to determine whether LA longitudinal strain could be used as a single parameter for predicting the risk of AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive patients diagnosed with diastolic dysfunction between December 2019 and March 2020 were included. Two-dimensional, colour flow, continuous pulse-wave, and tissue Doppler transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were performed using a Vivid E9 imaging system (GE Medical Systems, Chicago, USA). Measurements were obtained in the standard manner recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. Moreover, LA longitudinal strain was measured using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in the four-chamber view to evaluate left atrial function. The CHARGE-AF scoring system was used to predict AF risk.A total of 148 patients (mean age: 57.6 ± 11.9; male: 53%) with feasible views for LA strain measurement were divided into two groups based on a 10% CHARGE-AF cut-off score. The >10% group (48 patients; 32%) was defined as having a predicted 5-year AF risk >10%, and the ≤10% group (100 patients; 68%) was defined as having a predicted risk <10%. In the multivariate analysis, LA reservoir strain (LASr) was independently associated with CHARGE-AF score. Furthermore, using the Pearson correlation method, LASr was found to be highly correlated with CHARGE-AF score (r = -0.74, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

LASr was highly correlated with CHARGE-AF risk score and may be used as a parameter to predict atrial myopathy and hence AF risk.

Frequent premature atrial contractions as a signalling marker of atrial cardiomyopathy, incident atrial fibrillation and stroke

Premature atrial contractions are a common cardiac phenomenon. Although previously considered a benign electrocardiographic finding, they have now been associated with a higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation and other adverse outcomes such as stroke and all-cause mortality. Since premature atrial contractions can be associated with these adverse clinical outcomes independently of atrial fibrillation occurrence, different explanations have being proposed. The concept of atrial cardiomyopathy, where atrial fibrillation would be an epiphenomenon outside the causal pathway between premature atrial contractions and stroke has received traction recently. This concept suggests that structural, functional and biochemical changes in the atria lead to arrhythmia occurrence and thromboembolic events. Some consensus about diagnosis and treatment of this condition have been published, but this is based on scarce evidence, highlighting the need for a clear definition of excessive premature atrial contractions and for prospective studies regarding antiarrhythmic therapies, anticoagulation or molecular targets in this group of patients.

The Connubium among diabetes, chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation

The burden of cardiovascular comorbid conditions was significantly higher in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF); most of them are affected by hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and/or Diabetes Mellitus (DM). DM represents a well-known risk factor for the development and maintenance of AF; the coexistence of DM and AF is also associated with an increased risk of mortality and stroke. Moreover, DM is currently the main cause of renal impairment and the leading cause of dialysis in the world. The hyperglycemia is responsible for inducing redox imbalance and both systemic and intrarenal inflammation, playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. Long-term thromboembolic preventive therapy in AF patients with DM and CKD may be more challenging because both DM and CKD have been independently associated with an increased thromboembolic and bleeding risk, which results from the prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory status. Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) are characterized by numerous critical issues such as a narrow therapeutic window, increased tissue calcification and an unfavourable risk/benefit ratio with low stroke prevention effect and augmented risk of major bleeding. On the other hand, Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) are currently contraindicated in dialysis patients even if mounting evidence suggests that they may have a nephroprotective role in AF patients with DM and CKD. Consequently, the choice of anticoagulant therapy in this setting of patient seems to be very challenging. The aim of this review is to investigate the role of DOACs in diabetic patients and its nephroprotective role by reviewing the current literature.

Role of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is defined as a fat depot localized between the myocardial surface and the visceral layer of the pericardium and is a type of visceral fat. EAT is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events and a promising new therapeutic target in CVDs. In health conditions, EAT has a protective function, including protection against hypothermia or mechanical stress, providing myocardial energy supply from free fatty acid and release of adiponectin. In patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes mellitus, EAT becomes a deleterious tissue promoting the development of CVDs. Previously, we showed an adverse modulation of gene expression in pericoronary adipose tissue in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding the role of EAT in the development of CVDs, including CAD, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Due to the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also discuss data regarding the association between EAT and the course of COVID-19. Finally, we present the potential therapeutic possibilities aiming at modifying EAT's function. The development of novel therapies specifically targeting EAT could revolutionize the prognosis in CVDs.

Comparison of Immature Platelet Fraction and Factors Associated with Inflammation, Thrombosis and Platelet Reactivity Between Left and Right Atria in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Recent trials found poor temporal relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes and strokes. Thus, stroke in AF patients probably involves more mechanisms than cardiac embolism. We compared factors of inflammation, thrombosis and platelet reactivity between left (LA) and right atria (RA) and femoral vein (FV) in patients with AF.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from patients undergoing AF-ablation from the FV, RA and LA for neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), immature platelet fraction (IPF) and count (IPC), CD40 ligand, P-selectin and E-Selectin. IPF was measured by an autoanalyzer; CD40 ligand, P-selectin, and E-Selectin were measured by ELISA and NLR was calculated from complete blood counts.

Results

Sixty-seven patients were included (age 65±10y, 63% male, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 2.8±1.8, LA volume index 40±24 mL/m², 63% paroxysmal AF). There was no difference between FV, RA and LA regarding NLR and CD40 ligand. Factors associated with platelets activity: P-selectin, IPC and IPF% were higher in RA vs LA (60.3 IQR 49.0-76.4 ng/ml vs. 59.3 IQR 49.0-74.7, respectively, p=0.03 for P-selectin, 7.5 IQR 5.2-10 103/μL vs. 7.1 IQR 5-9.8, p<0.01 for IPC, and 3.6 IQR 2.7-5.0 % vs. 3.6 IQR 2.6-4.8, p<0.01 for IPF%). Similar trends were for E-selectin (41.2 IQR 31.1-51.2 ng/mL vs. 38.7 IQR 27.9-50.4 p=0.09). Similar significant differences were found in patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASC≥2 but not in patients with low score.

Conclusions

Patients with AF, especially those with CHA₂DS₂-VASc≥2, have higher markers of thrombogenicity in RA compared to LA. There was no difference in inflammatory properties between the atria.

Atrial Fibrosis, Ischaemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrosis is an important component of the arrhythmic substrate in AF. Evidence suggests that atrial fibrosis also plays a role in increasing the risk of stroke in patients with the arrhythmia. Patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), who are suspected to have AF but are rarely shown to have it, frequently demonstrate evidence of atrial fibrosis; measured using late-gadolinium enhancement MRI, this manifests as atrial remodelling encompassing structural, functional and electrical properties. In this review, the authors discuss the available evidence linking atrial disease, including fibrosis, with the risk of ischaemic stroke in AF, as well as in the ESUS population, in whom it has been linked to recurrent stroke and new-onset AF. They also discuss the implications of this association on future research that may elucidate the mechanism of stroke and stroke prevention strategies in the AF and ESUS populations.

Impact of left atrial geometric remodeling on late atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation

AIMS

To quantitatively investigate the impact of left atrial geometric remodeling on atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 105 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography before catheter ablation. Risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis and used to create a nomogram.

RESULTS

After at least 12 months of follow-up, 30 patients (29%) developed recurrent atrial fibrillation. Patients with recurrence had higher left atrial volume, left atrial sphericity, and lower left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in asymmetry index between the two groups (P = 0.121). Multivariable regression analysis showed that left atrial minimal volume index (LAVImin) [odds ratio (OR): 1.026, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-1.050, P = 0.034], left atrial sphericity (OR: 1.222, 95% CI: 1.040-1.435, P = 0.015) and CHADS2 score (OR: 1.511, 95% CI: 1.024-2.229, P = 0.038) were independent predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence. The combined model of the left atrial sphericity to the LAVImin substantially increased the predictive power for atrial fibrillation recurrence [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.736, 95% CI: 0.627-0.844, P < 0.001], with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 61%. A nomogram was generated based on the contribution weights of the risk factors; the AUC was 0.772 (95% CI: 0.670-0.875) and had good internal validity.

CONCLUSION

The CHADS2 score, left atrial sphericity, and LAVImin were significant and independent predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation. Furthermore, the nomogram had a better predictive capacity for atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Mitral valve regurgitation is associated with left atrial fibrosis in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Low voltage zones (LVZ) are associated with poor outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The APPLE and DR-FLASH scores predict LVZ in patients undergoing catheter ablation. This study aimed to assess the relationship of mitral valve regurgitation (MR) and LVZ after adjusting for APPLE or DR-FLASH scores.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study on patients with AF who underwent their first catheter ablation. All patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiographic examination before ablation. The APPLE and DR-FLASH scores were calculated at baseline. LVZ determined by high-density mapping was defined as bipolar voltage amplitude <0.5 mV. LVZ presence was defined as LVZ covering >5% of the left atrial surface area.

RESULTS

Altogether, 152 patients (mean age 62.0 ± 10.8 years, 65.8% men, and 36.2% with persistent AF) were included. Of the 152 patients, 47 (30.9%) had LVZ. The patients with LVZ had more moderate-to-severe MR (17.0% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.014) and higher APPLE scores (1.7 ± 1.1 vs. 1.2 ± 1.1, P = 0.009) and DR-FLASH scores (3.0 ± 1.5 vs. 2.4 ± 1.4, P = 0.010). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found moderate-to-severe MR was related to LVZ presence after adjusting for the APPLE (OR 4.040, P = 0.034) or DR-FLASH (OR 4.487, P = 0.020) scores. Furthermore, moderate-to-severe MR had an incremental predictive value for LVZ presence in addition to the APPLE (P = 0.03) or DR-FLASH (P = 0.02) scores.

CONCLUSION

In patients with AF, MR severity was related to LVZ after adjusting the APPLE score or DR-FLASH score.