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Yue JY, Ji K, Liu HP, Wu QW, Liang CH, Gao JB. Evaluating the consistency in different methods for measuring left atrium diameters. BMC Med Imaging 2024; 24:57. [PMID: 38443826 PMCID: PMC10916282 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-024-01231-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The morphological information of the pulmonary vein (PV) and left atrium (LA) is of immense clinical importance for effective atrial fibrillation ablation. The aim of this study is to examine the consistency in different LA diameter measurement techniques. METHODS Retrospective imaging data from 87 patients diagnosed with PV computed tomography angiography were included. The patients consisted of 50 males and 37 females, with an average age of (60.74 ± 8.70) years. Two physicians independently measured the anteroposterior diameter, long diameter, and transverse diameter of the LA using six different methods. Additionally, we recorded the post-processing time of the images. Physician 1 conducted measurements twice with a one-month interval between the measurements to assess intra-rater reliability. Using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the consistency of each LA diameter measurement by the two physicians was evaluated. We compared the differences in the LA diameter and the time consumed for measurements using different methods. This was done by employing the rank sum test of a randomized block design (Friedman M test) and the q test for pairwise comparisons among multiple relevant samples. RESULTS (1) The consistency of the measured LA diameter by the two physicians was strong or very strong. (2) There were statistical differences in the anteroposterior diameter, long diameter, and transverse diameter of LA assessed using different methods (χ2 = 222.28, 32.74, 293.83, P < 0.001). (3) Different methods for measuring the diameters of LA required different amounts of time (χ2 = 333.10, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The results of left atrium (LA) diameter measurements conducted by different physicians were found to be reliable. However, the LA diameters obtained through various techniques exhibited variations. It was observed that measuring LA long diameters using only the VR (volume rendering) picture was the most clinically applicable method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yan Yue
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui Henan Province, 453200, Xinxiang, China
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, 450000, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, 453200, Henan Pro vince, Weihui, China
| | - Kai Ji
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui Henan Province, 453200, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hai-Peng Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui Henan Province, 453200, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qing-Wu Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui Henan Province, 453200, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chang-Hua Liang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui Henan Province, 453200, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jian-Bo Gao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, 450000, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
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Kamili K, Zheng T, Luo C, Wang X, Tian G. Predictive value of lipoprotein(a) for left atrial thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients with low CHA 2DS 2-VASc scores: a cross-sectional study. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:22. [PMID: 38254171 PMCID: PMC10801929 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current guidelines are debated when it comes to starting anticoagulant therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and low CHA2DS2-VASc scores (1-2 in women and 0-1 in men). However, these individuals still have a high likelihood of developing left atrial thrombus/spontaneous echo contrast (LAT/SEC) and experiencing subsequent thromboembolism. Recent research has demonstrated that lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] may increase the risk of thrombosis, but the relationship between Lp(a) and LAT/SEC in NVAF patients is not clearly established. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the predictive ability of Lp(a) for LAT/SEC among NVAF patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc scores. METHODS NVAF patients with available transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data were evaluated. Based on the TEE results, the subjects were classified into non-LAT/SEC and LAT/SEC groups. The risk factors for LAT/SEC were examined using binary logistic regression analyses and were validated by using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Subsequently, novel predictive models for LAT/SEC were developed by integrating the CHA2DS2-VASc score with the identified factors, and the accuracy of these models was tested using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS In total, 481 NVAF patients were enrolled. The LAT/SEC group displayed higher Lp(a) concentrations. It was found that enlarged left atrial diameter (LAD), high concentrations of Lp(a), and a history of coronary heart disease (CHD) were independent predictors of LAT/SEC. Lp(a) and LAD still had predictive values for LAT/SEC after adjusting for PSM. In both the highest quartile groups of Lp(a) (>266 mg/L) and LAD (>39.5 mm), the occurrence of LAT/SEC was higher than that in the corresponding lowest quartile. By incorporating Lp(a) and the LAD, the predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for LAT/SEC was significantly improved. CONCLUSION Elevated Lp(a) and enlarged LAD were independent risk factors for LAT/SEC among NVAF patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc scores. The prediction accuracy of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for LAT/SEC was significantly improved by the addition of Lp(a) and LAD. When evaluating the stroke risk in patients with NVAF, Lp(a) and LAD should be taken into account together with the CHA2DS2-VASc score. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Kamili
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Rd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Rd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaodi Luo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Rd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Rd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Tian
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Rd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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Ma CS, Sun SK, Wang L, Zhou BY, Dong FL. The value of left atrial longitudinal strain in evaluating left atrial appendage spontaneous echo contrast in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1090139. [PMID: 37485259 PMCID: PMC10359994 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1090139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Ito T, Akamatsu K, Hasegawa H, Sakatani Y, Miyamura M, Hoshiga M. Relationship of warfarin versus DOACs with thrombogenic milieu in the left atrium among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Echocardiography 2022; 39:483-489. [PMID: 35137446 DOI: 10.1111/echo.15319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombogenic milieu (TM) within the left atrium plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolic events, for which anticoagulation treatment is indicated typically on the mandatory basis. Little is known, however, about which regimen of anticoagulation, warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), is more likely associated with TM. We evaluated relative relationship of the two treatment options with concurrently-observed TM in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS TM was defined as the presence of either left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) or thrombus, or both. To determine which regimen was more likely related to TM, we firstly compared the prevalence of TM in 208 patients taking warfarin (Warfarin group) versus 486 patients taking DOACs (DOAC group); and secondly, did the same analysis after propensity score matching. RESULTS Warfarin group was more likely associated with TM compared with DOAC group (46% vs 29%, p < 0.001). Similar findings were observed for dense SEC (18% vs 7%, p < 0.001) and thrombus (4% vs 1%, p = 0.057). The propensity score matching (198 patients for each group), where several baseline parameters were matched including age, gender, chronicity of AF, estimated glomerular filtration rate and B-type natriuretic peptide as well as the left ventricular ejection fraction, resulted in similar findings to the original groups (TM, 47% vs 32%, p = 0.002; dense SEC, 18% vs 7%, p = 0.001; thrombus, 4% vs 1%, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS This study may strengthen the data on randomized trials that DOACs are superior to warfarin in preventing thromboembolic events in nonvalvular AF patients. Further studies are required to elucidate the details behind this difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahide Ito
- Department of Cardiology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kanako Akamatsu
- Department of Cardiology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hitomi Hasegawa
- Department of Cardiology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuka Sakatani
- Department of Cardiology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Miyamura
- Department of Cardiology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hoshiga
- Department of Cardiology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
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Farkowski MM, Jubele K, Marín F, Gandjbakhch E, Ptaszynski P, Merino JL, Lenarczyk R, Potpara TS. Diagnosis and management of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardioversion or percutaneous left atrial procedures: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey. Europace 2021; 22:162-169. [PMID: 31501852 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euz257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Practices regarding indications and timing for transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) before cardioversion (CV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) or left atrial (LA) interventional procedures, and preferred imaging techniques and pharmacotherapy, in cases of thrombus resistant to chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment, are largely unknown. The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) conducted a survey to capture contemporary clinical practice in those areas of AF care. A 22-item online questionnaire was developed and distributed among the EHRA electrophysiology research network centres. The survey contained questions regarding indications, type and timing of imaging before CV or LA procedures and management of LA appendage (LAA) thrombus with special emphasis on thrombus resistant to OAC. Of 54 responding centres 63% were university hospitals. Most commonly, TOE would be performed in cases of inadequate or unclear pre-procedural anticoagulation, even in AF lasting <48 h (52% and 50%, respectively), and 15% of centres would perform TOE before AF ablation in all patients. If thrombus was diagnosed despite chronic OAC, the prevalent strategy was to change current OAC to another with different mechanism of action; 51% of centres would wait 3-4 weeks after changing the OAC before using another imaging test, and 60% of centres reported two attempts to dissolve the thrombus. Our survey showed a significant utilization of TOE before CV or AF ablation in European centres, extending beyond AF guidelines-suggested indications. When thrombus was diagnosed despite chronic pre-procedural OAC, most centres would use another anticoagulant drug with different mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal M Farkowski
- Heart Arrhythmia Ward, II Department of Coronary Artery Disease, Institute of Cardiology, Alpejska 42, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kristine Jubele
- P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Francisco Marín
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB-Arrixaca, CIBERCV, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Estelle Gandjbakhch
- Sorbonne Universités, APHP, Institute of Cardiology ICAN, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Pawel Ptaszynski
- Department of Electrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jose L Merino
- Unidad de Arritmias y Electrofisiología Robotizada, La Paz University Hospital, IDIPAZ, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Radoslaw Lenarczyk
- First Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Silesian Centre for Heart Disease, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Tatjana S Potpara
- School of Medicine, Belgrade University; Cardiology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Alqarawi W, Grose E, Ramirez FD, Sikora L, Golian M, Nair GM, Nery PB, Klein A, Davis D, Green MS, Redpath CJ, Birnie DH, Burwash I, Sadek MM. Prevalence of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients Anticoagulated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. CJC Open 2021; 3:658-665. [PMID: 34027370 PMCID: PMC8134939 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies have examined the prevalence of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients anticoagulated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and have reported conflicting results. METHODS Studies reporting the prevalence of LAAT on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after 3 or more weeks of DOAC therapy were identified. The proportions of anticoagulated patients diagnosed with LAAT were pooled using random-effects models. Prespecified subgroup analyses by the indication of TEE (pre-atrial fibrillation [AF] ablation vs cardioversion) and TEE strategy (routine use vs selective) were conducted via stratification. RESULTS Forty studies were identified: 22 full manuscripts and 18 abstracts. Only 11 studies performed TEE routinely. Most studies included patients with paroxysmal AF and low thromboembolic risk. The pooled prevalence of LAAT was 2.5% (95% confidence interval [1.6%-3.4%]). The prevalence of LAAT is lower in the pre-AF ablation group compared with pre-cardioversion (1.1% vs 4.0%, P = 0.033). Routine TEE strategy yielded a lower LAAT prevalence in both groups (0.1% vs 2.3%, P = 0.002 and 3.2% vs 5.8%, P = 0.432, respectively). CONCLUSION The reported prevalence of LAAT on TEE in patients treated with DOACs is highly variable. Factors associated with a high LAAT prevalence were pre-cardioversion indication and selective TEE strategy. Routine use of TEE before AF ablation may not be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Alqarawi
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elysia Grose
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - F. Daniel Ramirez
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux-Pessac, France
- L’Institut de Rythmologie et Modélisation Cardiaque (LIRYC), Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux-Pessac, France
| | - Lindsey Sikora
- Health Sciences Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mehrdad Golian
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Girish M. Nair
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pablo B. Nery
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andres Klein
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darryl Davis
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin S. Green
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Calum J. Redpath
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David H. Birnie
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian Burwash
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mouhannad M. Sadek
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Kim YG, Shim J, Boo KY, Kim DY, Lee KN, Choi JI, Kim YH. Slit-based irrigation catheters can reduce procedure-related ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239339. [PMID: 33002011 PMCID: PMC7529237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Open irrigation ablation catheters are now the standard in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Among various irrigation catheters, laser-cut slit-based irrigation system (Cool Flex and FlexAbility) has a unique design to cool the catheter tip more efficiently. We aimed to assess the safety of slit-based irrigation catheters regarding prevention of procedure-related ischemic complication in AF patients undergoing RFCA. The analysis was performed with Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital RFCA registry. Procedure-related ischemic complication was defined as ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurring within 30 days after RFCA. Patients were divided into 3 groups: non-irrigation, hole-based irrigation, and slit-based irrigation catheter groups. A total of 3,120 AF patients underwent first RFCA. Non-irrigation, non-slit-based irrigation, and slit-based irrigation catheters were used in 290, 1,539, and 1,291 patients, respectively. As compared with non-irrigation and non-slit-based irrigation catheter groups, slit-based irrigation catheter group had significantly older age, higher prevalence of non-paroxysmal AF, large left atrial size, and decreased left atrial appendage flow velocity. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was not different among the 3 groups. Procedure-related ischemic complication occurred in 17 patients (0.54%) with 16 ischemic strokes and 1 TIA event: 5/290 (1.72%), 11/1,539 (0.71%), and 1/1,291 (0.08%) events in non-irrigation, non-slit-based irrigation, and slit-based irrigation catheter groups, respectively (p = 0.001). Slit-based irrigation catheter was superior in direct comparison with non-slit-based irrigation catheter (0.71% vs. 0.08%; p = 0.009). Slit-based irrigation catheters were highly effective in preventing procedure-related ischemic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Gi Kim
- Arrhythmia Center, Korea University Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemin Shim
- Arrhythmia Center, Korea University Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Ki Yung Boo
- Arrhythmia Center, Korea University Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Arrhythmia Center, Korea University Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-No Lee
- Arrhythmia Center, Korea University Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Il Choi
- Arrhythmia Center, Korea University Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Arrhythmia Center, Korea University Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yang J, Zhang X, Wang XY, Zhang C, Chen SZ, Hu SJ. Comparison of transesophageal echocardiography findings after different anticoagulation strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2019; 19:261. [PMID: 31771529 PMCID: PMC6878716 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-019-1209-x] [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: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High risk of embolic events exists in both patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and patients in the perioperative period of ablation (effective treatment for AF). Therefore, anticoagulant therapy is important. Oral anticoagulants can be divided into two major categories: vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). VKAs, represented by warfarin, have been widely used as traditional anticoagulants, whereas NOACs have been used in clinical practice, but their anticoagulant effects and side effects are still the focus of research. We used a meta-analysis to compare the incidence of left atrial thrombi (LAT) between different anticoagulants. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases for observational studies that compared the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) findings for patients treated with NOACs and VKAs. The incidence of LAT and dense spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (dense SEC) were extracted as the basis of the meta-analysis. Results Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. We found that patients anticoagulated with NOACs and VKAs had similar incidence of LAT (OR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.55–1.00). After excluding the heterogeneous article by sensitivity analysis, we found the incidence of LAT in patients anticoagulated with NOACs is lower than VKAs (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.42–0.84). The results of subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of LAT among three types of NOACs have no significant difference (dabigatran vs. rivaroxaban, OR = 1.16 [0.75, 1.81]; rivaroxaban vs. apixaban, OR = 0.97 [0.54, 1.74]; dabigatran vs. apixaban, OR = 1.09 [0.55, 2.16]). Conclusion Patients anticoagulated with NOACs may have lower incidence of LAT than VKAs. The incidence of LAT among different type of NOACs are similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi-Ying Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Song-Zan Chen
- College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shen-Jiang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Kim YG, Choi JI, Boo KY, Kim DY, Hong Y, Kim MS, Lee KN, Shim J, Kim JS, Kim YH. Impact of age on thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Clin Cardiol 2019; 43:78-85. [PMID: 31729782 PMCID: PMC6954376 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age is a well-established risk factor for thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the mechanism underlying the association between age and thromboembolic events in AF remains unknown. METHODS The prognostic value of age as a risk factor for thromboembolic events was analyzed using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). In a large-scale single-center registry, cardiac hemodynamic parameters were examined to elucidate the cause of increased risk of thromboembolic events in older patients. RESULTS NHIS sample cohort data including 5896 patients with AF revealed that the risk of thromboembolic complication differed significantly according to age despite equal CHA2 DS2 -VASc score. In the registry of 2801 patients, age showed significant correlations with left atrium (LA) diameter, LA volume, E/e', pulmonary artery pressure, and LA appendage flow velocity. Older patients had a significantly higher prevalence of spontaneous echocontrast (odds ratio [OR] = 1.030; P < .001). Age (OR = 1.031; P < .001), E/e' (OR = 1.065; P = .004), and LA appendage flow velocity (OR = .988; P = .009) were significant predictors for thromboembolic events in multivariate analyses. In data from the NHIS, CHA2 DS2 -VASc score did not outperform age to predict thromboembolic events. CONCLUSIONS Age is a significant risk factor for thromboembolic events in patients with AF, and old age is associated with adverse cardiac hemodynamics. This study suggests that older patients with AF are at high risk of thromboembolic events regardless of CHA2 DS2 -VASc score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Gi Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Il Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Yung Boo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeji Hong
- Division of Medical Statistics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Sun Kim
- Division of Medical Statistics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-No Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemin Shim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seok Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Cardioversion on reduced-dose direct oral anticoagulants: Are we confident? Heart Rhythm 2019; 16:1894-1895. [PMID: 31299300 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7051. [PMID: 31065030 PMCID: PMC6504925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is a great challenge for electrophysiologists. We performed this retrospective study to evaluate clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke following RFCA. A total of 2,352 consecutive patients with AF who underwent first-time RFCA were analyzed. Among 10,023 patient*year follow up, ischemic stroke occurred in 49 patients (0.49% per year). Late recurrence after last RFCA was significantly associated with ischemic stroke (3.8% vs. 12.9%, p < 0.001). Old age (≥60 years old) (3.2% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.001), non-paroxysmal AF (hazard ratio = 1.91, p = 0.024), left atrium (LA) size ≥45.0 mm (6.6% vs. 11.7%, p < 0.001), E over E’ ≥10 (4.3% vs. 20.1%, p < 0.001), dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) (5.2% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.006), and decreased left atrial appendage (LAA) flow velocity (≤40 cm/sec) (4.1% vs. 10.8%, p < 0.001) were also associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. The REVEEAL score derived from the risk factors identified in this study was superior to CHA2DS2-VASc score (p < 0.001) for the prediction of ischemic stroke. In conclusion, the risk factors for ischemic stroke in post-RFCA AF patients are not identical to RFCA naive AF patients and different approach to stratify the risk of ischemic stroke is needed.
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Clinical and Echocardiographic Risk Factors Predict Late Recurrence after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6890. [PMID: 31053744 PMCID: PMC6499800 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly decrease with late recurrence (LR). We aimed to develop a scoring system to identify patients at high and low risk for LR following RFCA, based on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple risk factors for AF recurrence, including echocardiographic parameters. We studied 2,352 patients with AF undergoing first-time RFCA in a single institution. The LR-free survival rate up to 5 years was measured using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. The influence of clinical and echocardiographic parameters on LR was calculated with a Cox-regression analysis. Duration of AF ≥4 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.75; p < 0.001), non-paroxysmal AF (HR = 3.18; p < 0.001), and diabetes (HR = 1.34; p = 0.015) were associated with increased risk of LR. Left atrial (LA) diameter ≥45 mm (HR = 2.42; p < 0.001), E/e' ≥ 10 (HR = 1.44; p < 0.001), dense SEC (HR = 3.30; p < 0.001), and decreased LA appendage flow velocity (≤40 cm/sec) (HR = 2.35; p < 0.001) were echocardiographic parameters associated with increased risk of LR following RFCA. The LR score based on the aforementioned risk factors could be used to predict LR (area under curve = 0.717) and to stratify the risk of LR (HR = 1.45 per 1 point increase in the score; p < 0.001). In conclusion, LR after RFCA is affected by multiple clinical and echocardiographic parameters. This study suggests that combining these multiple risk factors enables the identification of patients with AF at high or low risk for having arrhythmia recurrence.
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Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage increases the risk of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack regardless of postisolation flow velocity. Heart Rhythm 2019; 15:1746-1753. [PMID: 30502771 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is associated with a lower rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation. However, LAA isolation can significantly impair LAA contractility. OBJECTIVE This study was performed to evaluate whether electrical isolation of the LAA is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS Consecutive patients with AF undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation at Korea University Medical Center Anam Hospital were analyzed. RESULTS Of 2352 patients, 39 (1.7%) had LAA isolation. Patients with LAA isolation had a significantly higher rate of ischemic stroke or TIA than did those without LAA isolation (log-rank, P < .001; hazard ratio 23.6; P < .001). There were significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the 2 groups, including type of AF (34 [87.2%] and 911 [39.4%] patients with and without LAA isolation had nonparoxysmal AF, respectively). After multivariate adjustment, LAA isolation was found to be a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke or TIA (adjusted hazard ratio 11.3; P < .001). Propensity score-matched analysis also revealed an increased risk of ischemic stroke or TIA in patients with LAA isolation compared with those without LAA isolation (log-rank, P = .001). The LAA flow velocity of post-LAA isolation status was not significantly different between patients who did and did not experience ischemic stroke or TIA (30.3 ± 17.7 cm/s vs 33.9 ± 17.9 cm/s; P = .608). CONCLUSION A significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke or TIA was observed in patients with electrical isolation of the LAA. In addition, postisolation LAA flow velocity is not a reliable marker to predict future ischemic events.
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