It was hypothesised that left atrial (LA) fibrosis identified by the presence of low-voltage areas (LVA) may influence the mechanical and electrical function of the left (LAA) and right (RAA) atrial appendage among the long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) population. 140 consecutive patients underwent voltage mapping of LA with a multielectrode catheter following pulmonary vein isolation and restoration of sinus rhythm with cardioversion. Echocardiography determined LAA peak outflow and inflow velocities and intracardiac catheter-based mean LAA and RAA AF cycle length (AFCL) were obtained during AF before ablation. The impact of flow velocities and AFCL on the prevalence and location of LVA was further evaluated. LVA were detected in 54% of the patients. 14% of the patients presented severe global LVA burden > 20% of the total LA surface area. 29% of the patients presented a disseminated pattern of remodelling as 3 out of 5 LA segments were affected. LAA AFCL, RAA AFCL, LAA flow velocities did not predict the absolute presence of LVA. However LAA AFCL > 155 ms predicted disseminated LVA pattern and LAA AFCL > 165 ms severe LVA incidence. LAA AFCL > 155 ms was predictive for existence of LVA within antero-septal LA segments whilst LAA emptying velocity ≤ 0.2 m/s within lateral wall. Moreover RAA AFCL > 165 ms was strongly related to the presence of LAA AFCL > 15 ms and > 165 ms. LAA and RAA functional assessment was predictive of the presence of advanced stages of voltage-defined LA fibrosis and its regional distribution among LSPAF population.
Keywords: Atrial appendage; Atrial fibrillation; Electrical remodelling; Long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation; Low-voltage areas; Voltage mapping.