The predictive value of echocardiographic parameters associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on short- and long-term outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Aims: Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently observed after AF catheter ablation. However, the predictive value of echocardiographic parameters associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) has not been well studied.

Methods and results: In 124 consecutive patients (mean age 61 ± 10 years, 60% male) with paroxysmal (n = 70) or persistent AF (n = 54) undergoing AF catheter ablation, mitral early diastolic peak (E-wave) and late peak (A-wave) velocities, E/A ratio, deceleration time (DT) of mitral early velocity, early diastolic mitral annulus peak velocity (e'), and E/e' ratio were determined by transthoracic echocardiography. Early (ERAF) and late AF recurrence (LRAF) were monitored with 7-day Holter electrocardiograms directly after catheter ablation and after 6 and 12 months. Early AF recurrence occurred in 34% of the patients, while LRAF was observed in 27% of the patients. Patients with ERAF had higher E-wave (0.9 ± 0.2 vs. 0.8 ± 0.2 m/s, P = 0.035) and lower A-wave velocity (0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 m/s, P = 0.038), higher E/A ratio (1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 1.5 ± 0.9, P = 0.089), and slower DT (214 ± 67 vs. 243 ± 68 ms, P = 0.073), while E/e', left atrial diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction were similar. In multivariable regression analysis, the E/A ratio was the only independent predictor of ERAF (odds ratio 2.905, 95% confidence interval 1.072-7.870, P = 0.036). None of the echocardiographic parameters influenced the late therapy outcome.

Conclusion: Early results of the catheter ablation, but not the late rhythm outcome, are influenced by an impaired mitral inflow pattern, which is associated with LVDD.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation; Diastolic dysfunction; Echocardiography.