Study of left heart parameters related to recurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation by ultrasonography

Abstract

This study evaluates the value of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) combined with speckle tracking imaging in predicting the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation. A total of 269 patients with paroxysmal AF were divided into 2 groups according to the clinical follow-up results: the recurrence group (n = 79) and the non-recurrence group (n = 190). Left atrial appendage flow velocity was measured by TEE, left atrial anteroposterior diameter, left atrial volume index and CAAP-AF score were measured by conventional TEE, and left atrial reservoir phase strain, left atrial pipeline phase strain and left atrial pump phase strain were measured by speckle tracking imaging. The correlation between each parameter and recurrence was compared. Logistic regression analysis showed that left atrial reservoir strain and left atrial appendage flow velocity were sensitive indicators to predict the recurrence of paroxysmal AF after radiofrequency ablation. Ultrasound parameters can be used to screen the patients who are prone to recurrence after operation and provide reference for clinical treatment to reduce the recurrence rate.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; echocardiography; radiofrequency ablation; relapse.

Figure 1.

Left atrial appendage blood flow velocity (LAA-v) in patients with non-recurrence paroxysmal atrial fibrillation before surgery.

Figure 2.

Left atrial strain during reservoir phase (LASr) of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation before surgery. (A) Recurrence patient; (B) non-recurrence patient.