No severe pulmonary vein stenosis after extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation: 12-month follow-up with 3D computed tomography

Heart Vessels. 2011 Jul;26(4):440-8. doi: 10.1007/s00380-010-0073-5. Epub 2010 Dec 4.

Abstract

Few studies have explored the utility of local electrogram-guided extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation (EEPVI) by analyzing the pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy and occurrence of stenosis using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). One hundred seventy-six paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients underwent EEPVI with a double lasso technique. MDCT was performed in all patients before and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the ablation procedures to screen for PV stenosis. PV stenosis was defined as a >30% reduction in its diameter. A total of 700 PVs were analyzed. PV stenosis was observed in 15 of 700 PVs (2.1%). All stenoses were mild (mean 34.5 ± 3.3%). They were all asymptomatic, and none required treatment. After 12 months of follow-up, the PV narrowing regressed significantly compared with that at 3 months in the patients with PV stenosis (34.5 ± 3 to 30.4 ± 5%, P < 0.05). The remaining PVs exhibited a stable anatomy, and there was no significant progression of the PV narrowing. The results of this study demonstrated that detectable PV stenosis occurred in 2.1% of the PVs, and all stenoses were mild. Moreover, a significant regression of the PV narrowing was observed after 12-months of follow-up. This indicates that the local electrocardiogram-guided EEPVI was relatively safe regarding severe PV stenosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnostic imaging
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phlebography / methods*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pulmonary Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Veins / surgery*
  • Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease / etiology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Treatment Outcome