Abstract 15073: Best Anticoagulation Strategy for Stroke Prophylaxis in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Amyloidosis

Abstract

Background: A considerable proportion of elderly patients are known to have coexistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and amyloidosis. Both conditions increase stroke risk. Objective: We evaluated the best anticoagulation strategy in a series of AF patients with amyloidosis. Methods: Consecutive AF patients with coexistent amyloidosis undergoing catheter ablation at our center were included in the analysis. Based on the stroke-prophylaxis approach they were divided into 2 groups; group 1: left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with Watchman and group 2: oral anticoagulation. Following LAAO, all patients remained on full dose non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) for 45 days. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed at 45 days to assess completeness of closure. If the occlusion was complete, patients were kept on aspirin, 81 mg/day for long-term. In case of leak or dense ‘smoke’ in the left atrium (LA) or enlarged LA, they were prescribed half-dose NOAC. NOACs included dabigatran, apixaban, endoxaban and rivaroxaban. Group 2 patients remained on full-dose NOAC during the whole study period (1 year). All patients were prospectively followed up for 1 year. Results: A total of 87 patients were included in the analysis; group 1: 56 and group 2: 31 . CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was comparable between the groups (gr. 1: 3.7±1.6 and gr. 2: 3.2±1.7, p=0.18). The most commonly used NOACs were apixaban (45, 51.7%) and rivaroxaban (34, 39%). After the 45-day TEE, 34 patients from group 1 remained on baby-aspirin and 22 on half-dose NOAC. Of the 22, 12 patients had leaks <5 mm, 6 had large LA (mean diameter 5.2±1.4 cm) and 4 patients had dense LA smoke. At 1-year follow-up, 3 stroke and 1 transient ischemic attack were reported in group 1 on baby-aspirin (4/34, 11.8%). No stroke or bleeding complications occurred in the 22 patients on half-dose NOAC. In group 2 patients on full-dose OAC, a total of 5 (5/31, 16.1%) bleeding events (1 subdural hematoma and 4 GI bleedings) were recorded. Additionally, a stroke was reported that happened during brief discontinuation of OAC for another medical procedure. Conclusion: In our series of patients with coexistent AF and amyloidosis, half-dose NOAC following LAA occlusion procedure was observed to be the safest stroke-prophylaxis strategy.