MR evaluation of pulmonary vein diameter reduction after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Eur Radiol. 2006 Nov;16(11):2505-11. doi: 10.1007/s00330-006-0252-z. Epub 2006 Apr 26.

Abstract

Fifty consecutive patients aged 52+/-12 years suffering from drug refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent baseline and post-ablation MR angiography (MRA) at a mean follow-up of 4+/-3.5 months. Pulmonary vein (PV) disconnection was performed with a maximum energy delivery of 30 W. MRA allowed a two-plane measurement of each PV ostium. After ablation, no significant stenosis was observed, and only 1/194 (0.5%) and 3/194 (2%) PVs had a diameter reduction of 31-40% in the coronal and axial planes, respectively. There was a significant overall post-procedural PV narrowing of 4.9% in the coronal plane and 6.5% in the axial plane (P=ns between both planes). MRA is an efficient technique that can be used in pre- and postoperative evaluation of AF patients. Using a maximal power delivery limited to 30 W, no significant PV stenosis was observed at mid-term follow-up. Late PV anatomical assessment is needed to confirm these results on long-term follow-up.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation* / adverse effects
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / pathology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Pulmonary Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Veins / pathology*
  • Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease / etiology
  • Radiography
  • Research Design
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Treatment Outcome