Masuda M, Matsuda Y, Uematsu H, Sugino A, Ooka H, Kudo S, Fujii S, Asai M, Okamoto S, Ishihara T, Nanto K, Tsujimura T, Hata Y, Higashino N, Nakao S, Mano T. Prognostic impact of atrial cardiomyopathy: Long-term follow-up of patients with and without low-voltage areas following atrial fibrillation ablation.
Heart Rhythm 2024;
21:378-386. [PMID:
38157922 DOI:
10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.12.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Atrial cardiomyopathy is known as an underlying pathophysiological factor in the majority of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial low-voltage areas (LVAs) are reported to coincide with fibrosis and likely represent atrial cardiomyopathy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to delineate differences in the long-term prognosis of patients stratified by the size of LVAs.
METHODS
This observational study included 1488 consecutive patients undergoing initial ablation for AF. LVAs were defined as regions with a bipolar peak-to-peak voltage <0.50 mV. The total study population was divided into 3 groups stratified by LVA size: patients with no LVAs (n = 1136); those with small (<20 cm2) LVAs (n = 250) LVAs; and those with extensive (≥20 cm2) LVAs (n = 102). Composite endpoints of death, heart failure, and stroke were followed for up to 5 years.
RESULTS
Composite endpoints developed in 105 of 1488 patients (7.1%), and AF recurrence occurred in 410 (27.6%). Composite endpoints developed more frequently in the order of patients with extensive LVAs (19.1%), small LVAs (10.8%), and no LVAs (5.1%) (P for trend <.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed that LVA presence was independently associated with higher incidence of composite endpoints, irrespective of AF recurrence (modified hazard ratio 1.73; 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.64; P = .011) CONCLUSION: LVA presence and its extent both were associated with poor long-term composite endpoints of death, heart failure, and stroke, irrespective of AF recurrence or other confounders. Underlying atrial cardiomyopathy seems to define a poor prognosis after AF ablation.
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