Atrial flutter/fibrillation in patients receiving transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.

Abstract

Atrial flutter/fibrillation (AFL/Af) is a common late complication in atrial septal defect (ASD) patients even after occluder implantation. We try to delineate the risk factors of persistent AFL/Af. From 1998 to 2010, all patients older than 18years of age who received ASD occluder implantation in our hospital were enrolled, and their records were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms including angiotensinogen gene, A1166C polymorphism on the angiotensin II type I receptor gene, and insertion/deletion (I/D) patterns on the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene were checked using direct sequencing. A total of 517 patients (male/female 127/390) were enrolled. The mean age of patients receiving occluder deployment was 41.5±14.5years. Prior to occluder deployment, 3.9% of patients had persistent Af, 3.1% of patients had paroxysmal Af, and 0.8% had AFL. After a follow-up of 1894 patient-years, 3.5% had persistent Af and 1.9% of patients had paroxysmal Af. The greatest risk factors of AFL/Af genesis included age, occluder size, presence of multiple ASDs, and underlying thyroid or mitral valve disorder (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.033, p=0.016, and p=0.012, respectively). Preoperative AFL/Af status is the most important factor in determining AFL/Af resolution and progression after an intervention. The renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms had no association with AFL/Af genesis, and progression or resolution after intervention. AFL/Af is common after ASD occluder implantation, and predisposed by older age, larger and multiple ASDs, and underlying disorders. Preoperative atrial arrhythmia status is the most important predictor of AFL/Af progression or resolution. Renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms had no association with AFL/Af.