Echocardiographic Examination of the Posterior Atrioventricular Groove

A prediction model based on functional mitral regurgitation for the recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) after post-circular pulmonary vein radiofrequency ablation (CPVA)

AIM

To construct a prediction model based on functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) to predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after the post-circular pulmonary vein radiofrequency ablation (CPVA).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 289 patients with PAF who underwent CPVA for the first time. The patients were randomly divided into modeling group and verification group at the ratio of 75:25. In the modeling group, the multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze and construct a prediction model for post-CPVA recurrence in PAF patients, which was then validated in the verification group.

RESULTS

(1) After 3-6 months of follow-up, the patients were divided into sinus rhythm group (252 cases) and recurrence group (24 cases); (2) In the modeling group, the age, left atrial diameter (LAD), and the degree of MR (mild, moderate, severe) were higher in recurrence group than that of the sinus rhythm group, and the left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAV) was lower in recurrence group (all p < .05). (3) A model for predicting the recurrence of PAF after radiofrequency ablation was constructed in the modeling group. The equation was: Logit(P) = -3.253 + .092 × age + 1.263 × mild MR + 2.325 × moderate MR + 5.111 × severe MR -.113 × LAAV. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was .889 in modeling group and .866 in verification group, and the difference was not statistically significant (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

The prediction model of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after CPVA in PAF patients has good predictive efficacy, specificity, and accuracy.

The transverse and oblique sinuses of the pericardium: Anatomic and echocardiographic insights

A number of masses and pseudomasses may be encountered during the echocardiographic examination of the transverse and oblique sinuses with significant clinical implications. This review discusses the clinically relevant anatomy of the pericardial sinuses emphasizing diagnostic pitfalls that may be encountered during their echocardiographic examination.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography of Cardiac Masses and Pseudomasses in the Atrioventricular Groove

The atrioventricular (AV) groove constitutes the anatomic space separating the atria and ventricles. The AV groove is often difficult to visualize at echocardiography, and suspected lesions can be further assessed with cardiac computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. AV groove lesions may originate from within the AV groove or extend into this space from adjacent structures. The differential diagnosis for AV groove lesions is often wide, but a precise diagnosis can sometimes be made. This pictorial essay illustrates the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography appearance of common and uncommon AV groove lesions, and attempts to provide a logical framework for differential diagnosis when confronted with a known or suspected lesion at cross-sectional imaging.