Predictors Of Atrial Arrhythmias Research Articles

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of atrial fibrillation in cardiac sarcoidosis

BackgroundThe occurrence of atrial arrhythmias, in particular, atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are of growing interest in the field of infiltrative cardiomyopathies. Via a systematic review with meta-analysis, we sought to synthesize data on the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of atrial arrhythmias as well as outcomes in patients with CS. MethodsPubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically queried from inception until April 26th, 2023. Using the random-effects model, separate plots were generated for each effect size assessed. ResultsFrom a total of 8 studies comprising 978 patients with CS, the pooled summary estimates for the prevalence of AF was 23% (95% CI: 13%–34%). Paroxysmal AF was the most common subtype of AF (83%; 95% CI: 77%–90%), followed by persistent AF (17%; 95% CI: 10%–23%). In 9 studies involving 545 patients with CS, the pooled incidence of AF was estimated at 5%, 13.1%, and 8.9% at <2 years, 2–4 years, and > 4 years of follow-up respectively, with an overall cumulative incidence of 10.6% (95% CI: 4.9%–17.8%) over a 6-year follow-up period. Increased left atrial size and atrial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake were identified as strong independent predictors for the development of atrial arrhythmias on qualitative synthesis. ConclusionThe burden of AF and related arrhythmias in CS patients is considerable. This necessitates close follow-up and predictive risk-stratification tools to guide the initiation of appropriate strategies, including therapeutic interventions for prevention of AF-related embolic phenomenon, especially in those with known clinical predictors.

Left atrial reservoir strain is reduced in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries

Abstract Background Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) represents a management conundrum given the poorly understood pathogenic mechanisms. In recent years, novel echocardiographic measures such as deformation/strain analysis have enabled early identification of left atrial (LA) remodelling and dysfunction which take place prior to structural alterations. LA dysfunction is an important biomarker of cardiovascular disease and an independent predictor of atrial arrhythmias which may play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of MINOCA. Purpose The goal of our study was to evaluate and characterise LA function by speckle tracking strain echocardiography in patients with MINOCA. Methods Patients admitted to our institution with acute myocardial infarction were assessed and those diagnosed with MINOCA who underwent transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) within 48-hours of their coronary angiogram were included. Diagnosis of MINOCA was based on the 2017 ESC working group position paper on myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. Two-dimensional speckle tracking strain analysis of the LA and left ventricle (LV) was performed offline using vendor independent software (TomTec Arena). Clinical and echocardiographic measures were compared to healthy controls identified from our echocardiography database. We excluded patients with history of atrial fibrillation, heart failure and LV dysfunction (LVEF &amp;lt;50%). Results The cohort consisted of 82 patients; 41 patients with MINOCA were compared to 41 age and sex matched controls (61% male, mean age 51±12.8 years). At baseline, patients with MINOCA had a higher prevalence of modifiable vascular risk factors including smoking, hypertension and diabetes (p&amp;lt;0.001 for all). Of the echocardiographic parameters, no differences in left ventricular (LV) parameters including LV global longitudinal strain (p=0.463), indexed LV mass (p=0.084) and the E/e' (p=0.391) was appreciated. Though there was no difference in LA volumes or volumetric parameters of LA function (LAEF; p=0.328), patients with MINOCA had a lower LA reservoir strain (29.7±8.5% vs 33.2±6.5%; p=0.04; 95% CI 0.32–5.33). Conclusion Patients with MINOCA demonstrated lower LASr despite normal LV and LA volumes. This suggests that LA dysfunction may play a role in the pathogenesis of MINOCA. Further studies are required to evaluate the significance of our findings. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of surgical weight loss on novel P-wave-related variables which are nominated as predictors of atrial arrhythmias.

Bariatric surgery has been associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in obese patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the alterations of novel P-wave related atrial arrhythmia predictors in patients who achieved effective weight loss with bariatric surgery. The study included 58 patients who underwent bariatric surgery. We measured heart rate, PR, P wave (PW) max, PW min, Average P axis, P wave peak time (PWPT) in lead D2 and lead V1, terminal force in lead V1 (V1TF), and we estimated P wave dispersion (PWdis) interval both pre-operation and 6 months after operation. Heart rate, PR, PW max, PW min, PWdis, Average P axis, PWPTD2, PWPTV1 and V1TF values, which were close to the upper limit in the pre-op period, showed statistically significant decreases at 6 months after the operation. The most prominent changes were observed in PW dis (51.15 ± 9.70ms vs. 48.79 ± 9.50ms, p=.010), PWPTD2 (55.75 ± 6.91ms vs. 50.59 ± 7.67ms, p<.001), PWPTV1 (54.10 ± 7.06ms vs. 48.05 ± 7.64ms, p<.001) and V1TF (25 [43.1%] vs. 12 [20.7%], p<.001). The results of our study indicated that bariatric surgery has positive effects on the regression of ECG parameters which are predictors of atrial arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF).

Withdrawal of anti-arrhythmic therapy after cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation of typical atrial flutter

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Medical management of typical atrial flutter (AFL) is sometimes unsuccessful and may have adverse effects. Symptom control using radiofrequency cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation (CTA) is a feasible alternative, given the fact that it is a simple procedure with a low rate of complications. However, in some patients (pts), new atrial arrhythmias may develop and the decision of anti-arrhythmic therapy (AAT) withdrawal is usually patient-based. Purpose To predict the recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (AR) after CTI ablation between pts that suspended AAT and those that maintained AAT. Methods Single-center retrospective study of pts with typical AFL submitted to ablation between 2015 and 2019. Pts clinical characteristics, current and follow up therapy were collected. Holter and/or 7-day event loop recorder were performed during the follow up to identify AR. For statistical analysis, we applied Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Cox regression to identify predictors of AR. Results CTA ablation was performed in 476 pts (mean age: 66.3 ± 11.7 years, 79.8% males). At time of ablation most pts were in EHRA II class (70.8%) and 44.6% of pts had at least mild left atrial dilatation on transthoracic echocardiography. The mean follow up time was 2.8 years. Two-hundred sixty-nine pts (57,6%) were under anti-arrhythmic therapy (AAT) before the ablation. After the procedure, 58 pts withdrawn AAT before AR and 8 pts after AR. During the follow-up period, we observed AR of typical AFL in 17 pts (3.6%), atypical AFL in 35 pts (7.4%) and AF in 118 pts (24.8%). There were no statistically significant differences regarding AR between pts that maintained and suspended AAT (p = NS). Concerning the pts that suspended AAT, thyroid disfunction (p = 0.012), higher CHADs-VASc score (p = 0.033), ischemic cardiomyopathy (p = 0.001) and tobacco abuse (p = 0.005) were predictors of AR, being the last two also independent predictors (HR 0.243; 95%CI 0.76-0.778, p = 0.017; HR 4.449; 95%CI 1.128-17.553, p = 0.033, respectively). Conclusion After CTA ablation, AF is the most frequent recurrent arrhythmia. Interestingly, the withdrawn of AAT didn’t seem to predict the recurrence of arrhythmic events. The decision of stopping AAT must be individualized regarding patients’ clinical characteristics. Abstract Figure 1: AAT withdrawal and AR

Atrial arrhythmias in patients with left ventricular assist devices.

Atrial arrhythmias commonly occur in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who require left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) implantation. This review summarizes the current literature regarding the incidence, prevalence, and predictors of atrial arrhythmias in LVAD patients and its impact on the clinical outcomes. Moreover, we review the mechanisms and management strategies of atrial arrhythmias in this population. Atrial arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia are highly prevalent in patients with advanced HFrEF before or after the LVAD implantation. Atrial arrhythmias have a significant impact on overall clinical outcome including survival, heart failure hospitalization, quality of life, thromboembolic events and resource utilization. Atrial fibrillation and other atrial arrhythmias frequently coexist in this population. In patients with atrial arrhythmias and LVAD, anticoagulation and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices should be closely monitored and managed to prevent thromboembolic events or inappropriate shocks. Rhythm and rate control strategies are comparable regarding overall clinical outcomes in this population. LVADs induce favorable atrial remodeling in patients with HFrEF. Atrial arrhythmias are highly common in LVAD patients and have significant impact on overall clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine optimal management and prevention of atrial arrhythmias in LVAD population.

Long-term atrial arrhythmias incidence after heart transplantation

ObjectivesAtrial arrhythmias after heart transplantation have rarely been investigated. The aim of this study is to assess incidence, type and predictors of atrial arrhythmias during a long-term follow-up in a large population of heart-transplanted patients. MethodsConsecutive patients undergone to heart transplantation at our Centre from 1990 to 2017 were enrolled. All documented atrial arrhythmias were systematically reviewed during a long-term follow-up after heart transplantation. Atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter and tachycardias were defined according to current guidelines. ResultsOverall, 364 patients were included and followed for 120 ± 70 months. During the follow-up period 108 (29.7%) patients died and 3 (0.8%) underwent re-transplantation. Sinus rhythm was present in 355 (97.5%) patients. Nine patients had persistent atrial arrhythmias: 8 (2.2%) presented atypical flutter and one (0.3%) patient AF. Paroxysmal sustained arrhythmias were detected in 42 (11.5%) patients, always atrial flutters. At univariate analysis several echocardiographic (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, TEI index, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation grade) hemodynamic (systolic and diastolic pulmonary pressure, capillary wedge pressure) and clinical (dyslipidaemia, weight, pacemaker implantation) parameters related to higher incidence of atrial arrhythmias. ConclusionPersistent atrial arrhythmias, and most of all AF, are rare among heart transplantation carriers, despite substantial comorbidities resulting in significant mortality. It can be speculated that the lesion set provided by the surgical technique, a complete and transmural electrical isolation of the posterior left atrium wall, represents an effective lesion set to prevent persistent AF.

Evaluation of P wave dispersion as a predictor of atrial arrhythmias in dystrophinopathies

Evaluation of P wave dispersion as a predictor of atrial arrhythmias in dystrophinopathies

Evaluation of P wave dispersion as a predictor of atrial arrhythmias in dystrophinopathies

PURPOSE: Arrhythmias are one of the manifestations of cardiac involvement in dystrophinopathies. P-wave dispersion (PWD) has been known to be associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of PWD in patients with Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (BMD) muscular dystrophies. METHODS: It is a retrospective cohort study. The study population consisted of 68 patients with dystrophinopathy and age and sex matched 68 healthy control subjects. Patients with diabetes …

Prevalence and predictors of atrial arrhythmias in patients with sinus node dysfunction and atrial pacing.

This study aimed to determine the incidence, prevalence, and predictors of atrial arrhythmias (AAs) in patients with symptomatic sinus node dysfunction (SND) who required permanent pacemaker implantation. Also, we evaluated the impact of atrial pacing (AP) on AAs. All consecutive patients who underwent pacemaker implantation from 2005 to 2011 were included. Atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), atrial tachycardia (AT), and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) were detected via pacemaker interrogation and clinical documentation. The study group included 322 patients (44% male) with mean age 68.8 ± 15years and followed for an average of 5.6 ± 2.2years (median 5.7years). Overall, 61.8% were found to have any AA at follow-up. Individual prevalence of AAs was high as follows: AF 43.5%, AFL 6.5%, AT 25%, and AVNRT 6.8%. AF was documented in 23% of patients (n = 74) prior to pacemaker; among those, 15% (n = 11) had no recurrence of AF with average AP of 74%. The incidence of new-onset AF after pacemaker was 15.8%. In subgroup analysis, prevalence of AF was increased by 16% with high rate of AP (81-100%) and 17% with lower rate of AP (0-20%). Incidence of new-onset AF was not affected by AP. Diabetes, hypertension, and left atrial enlargement were predictors of AAs. White men and women had higher prevalence of AF. AAs are highly prevalent in SND, particularly in white patients. Paroxysmal AF is suppressed with AP in minority, but there is no impact of AP on new-onset AF. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and dilated atria must be monitored closely for early detection of AAs.

P-Wave Morphology, Amplitude, Duration and Dispersion in Atrial Arrhythmias

The detailed analysis of the P-wave duration and dispersion by means of conventional electrocardiography with the 12 standard surface leads in the stratification of patients suffering from AF is a recognized universal approach. P-wave dispersion (PWD) has received increasing attention in the field of non-invasive electrophysiology studying atrial arrhythmias and has been examined in a broad range of clinical settings including cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases. It is well accepted that, not only the P-wave duration, but also the P-wave morphology and dispersion have the potential to give information about the anatomical substrate predisposing to AF. Patients with diseased atrial myocardium with fibrotic changes may develop abnormal electrophysiological alterations. Therefore, these atrial anisotropic characteristics may play an important role in creating reentry circuits by causing inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of the impulse in the atrial tissue. The altered atrial myocardium may generate unidirectional block, conduction delay and reentrant atrial rhythms. The P-wave of the electrocardiogram may show alterations that can be associated with atrial arrhythmias and AF. PWD is considered a noninvasive electrocardiographic marker for atrial remodeling and predictor for AF. It has been shown that increased P-wave duration and PWD reflect prolongation of intra-atrial and inter-atrial conduction time. In patients prone to develop atrial arrhythmias and AF, PWD reflects prolonged, inhomogeneous and anisotropic distribution of connections between myocardial fibers resulting in discontinuous anisotropic propagation of sinus impulses and atrial conduction. PWD is considered as a sensitive and specific ECG marker and predictor of atrial arrhythmias and paroxysmal AF.

Interatrial block to predict atrial fibrillation in myotonic dystrophy type 1

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation frequently occurs in Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients. Interatrial block is recognized as predictor of atrial arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of interatrial block in predicting the onset of atrial fibrillation during 2-year follow-up in DM1 patients who underwent pacemaker implantation for conduction system disorders. The study prospectively enrolled 70 DM1 patients (aged 36–69; 31 M) who underwent pacemaker implantation for cardiac rhythm abnormalities in accordance with the current guidelines. All DM1 patients underwent 12-lead surface ECG, 2D color Doppler echocardiogram and device interrogation at implantation, one month after and every six months thereafter for a minimum of 2-year follow-up. 12-lead surface ECGs were analyzed to diagnose interatrial block (IAB), defined as a P-wave duration ≥120 ms without (partial IAB) or with (advanced IAB) biphasic morphology (±) in the inferior leads. Device interrogation was performed to evaluate the development of new onset atrial high rate electrograms compatible with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation episodes. Interatrial block was detected in 22 patients (31.4%): 18 partial (25.7%) and 4 advanced (5.7%). During follow-up, AF episodes were detected in 18 DM1 patients (25.7%). The study population was divided into 2 groups according to the presence of AF (AF+ Group vs AF− Group). The AF+ Group was older and showed higher prevalence of IAB than the AF− Group. IAB was found to be independent predictor of AF in DM1 population (P < 0.001). A cut-off value of 121 ms for IAB had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 90.3% in identifying DM1 patients at high risk of developing AF. Interatrial block represents an independent predictor of AF occurrence in our DM1 population with conduction disturbances who had previously undergone pacemaker implantation.

P1636Incidence and predictors of atrial arrhythmias in patients with a dual chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator followed by remote monitoring

P1636Incidence and predictors of atrial arrhythmias in patients with a dual chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator followed by remote monitoring

Electrophysiologic Results After Thoracoscopic Ablation for Chronic Atrial Fibrillation

Thoracoscopic ablation for lone atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly in the past decade. We investigated the electrophysiologic results and midterm durability of totally thoracoscopic ablation in patients with lone persistent AF. Seventy-nine consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF (8 patients, 10.1%), persistent AF (17 patients, 21.5%), and long-standing persistent AF (54 patients, 68.3%) were prospectively enrolled. Thoracoscopic ablation consisted of a bilateral closed-chest approach to performing pulmonary isolation (a box lesion), ganglionated plexus ablation, division of the Marshall ligament, and left atrial auricle resection. An electrophysiologic study was performed 5 days after the surgical procedure in 61 patients (77%). Freedom from AF was assessed with electrocardiograms or Holter monitoring every 3 months, with a mean follow-up of 12.1 (maximum, 28) months. No deaths or conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass occurred. During electrophysiologic study, 28 residual pulmonary vein potentials were observed in 15 patients (19%). Out of a total of 28 gaps, 20 (71%) were located in the superior and inferior ridges of pulmonary veins. Six gaps (21%) were detected in the carina of pulmonary veins. The mitral isthmus was ablated in 2 patients (7%). Freedom from AF at 2 years was 92.6 ± 3.3%. Freedom from cardiac-related events at 2 years was 74.7 ± 6.0%. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the predictors of atrial arrhythmias were old age, hypertension, and left atrial volume index. Thoracoscopic ablation followed by electrophysiologic confirmation was safe and provided excellent midterm durability in patients with AF. However, the incidence of residual potentials around the pulmonary veins was not negligible.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging predictors of atrial arrhythmias in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging predictors of atrial arrhythmias in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot

Perioperative atrial arrhythmias in noncardiothoracic patients: a review of risk factors and treatment strategies in the veteran population

BackgroundPerioperative atrial arrhythmias (PAAs) in noncardiothoracic patients have poorly defined risk factors and management. MethodsThe surgical intensive care unit database was queried for patients who developed PAAs from 2008 to 2009. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative data (electrocardiography, chest x-rays, laboratory results), medications, intraoperative variables, management, and outcomes of atrial arrhythmias were collected. Controls were randomly chosen in a 3:1 ratio. Comparisons were performed using χ2 tests, Student's t tests, or nonparametric comparisons as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. ResultsFive hundred sixty-one patients were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. Three hundred fifty-four (63%) had noncardiothoracic surgery, and 30 (8.5%) developed PAAs. The mean age of patients with PAAs was 66 ± 7.3 years, compared with 64 ± 11 years for controls (P = NS), with most patients undergoing general (60%) and vascular (33%) surgery. PAA patients were more likely to have coronary artery disease (P = .029), cardiomegaly (P = .011), and premature atrial contractions (P = .016) and to take aspirin (P = .010). On multivariate logistic regression, predictors of atrial arrhythmias were premature atrial contractions, preoperative hypokalemia, intraoperative adverse events, and cardiomegaly. Most PAA patients received amiodarone (63%). Ten percent required electrical cardioversion, and 26% received anticoagulation. PAA patients had significantly longer intensive care unit lengths of stay (P = .032). ConclusionCoronary artery disease, cardiomegaly, hypokalemia, and premature atrial contractions were significantly associated with PAAs in noncardiothoracic patients. Prospective studies are needed to define treatment guidelines.

Prevalence of interatrial block in patients with Friedreich's Ataxia

Interatrial block is a predictor of atrial arrhythmias. Aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of interatrial block (IAB) in Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) compared to controls and correlate it with echocardiographic and genetic features. IAB, defined as an electrocardiographic (ECG) derived P-wave duration >120 ms, echocardiographic variables and genetic markers were evaluated in 23 FA patients with no manifestation of cardiac involvement and were compared to 23 sex- and age-matched controls. IAB was significantly more frequent among FA patients compared to controls (11/23 vs 1/23, p<0.005 respectively). However, no correlations with echocardiographic parameters or Guanine-Adenine-Adenine (GAA) trinucleotide repeat lengths could be established. Early recognition of IAB could allow the identification of asymptomatic FA patients who are prone to develop potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.

Predictors of atrial arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse

Objective — Arrhythmias have been reported to occur frequently in symptomatic patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP). The mechanisms causing atrial arrhythmias in patients with MVP have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical, echocardiographic and heart rate variability parameters, and plasma concentrations of electrolytes and inflammatory markers in predicting atrial arrhythmias in patients with MVP.Methods — A total of 58 consecutive patients with MVP were included in this study.We performed electrocardiography, echocardiography, Holter analysis, routine biochemical tests including plasma concentrations of electrolytes and inflammatory markers, and evaluated the clinical characteristics. Atrial arrhythmia was defined as occurrence of any of the following: atrial premature contractions, atrial couplets, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter or fibrillation documented by Holter analysis, continuous monitoring or by electrocardiography.Results — Twenty-eight patients (48%) had atrial arrhythmias, and 30 (52%) patients had no atrial arrhythmias. Univariable predictors of atrial arrhythmias included isovolumetric relaxation time, lateral systolic (S’), lateral late diastolic (A’), septal A’ Doppler velocities, anterior mitral leaflet thickness, anterior mitral leaflet thickness of < 5 mm, posterior mitral leaflet thickness and the occurrence of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that occurrence of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation was the only independent predictor of atrial arrhythmias (relative risk: 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.32-4.86, P = 0.005).Conclusions — The present study showed that the only independent predictor of atrial arrhythmias in patients with MVP is the occurrence of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation.

Predictors of Atrial Arrhythmias After Device Closure of Secundum Type Atrial Septal Defects in Adults

Atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATs) contribute substantially to morbidity in adult patients with secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs). The purpose of this study was to prospectively determine the incidence of AT in adults with an ASD and identify predictors of AT occurrence after closure. This was a prospective study of 200 adult patients undergoing closure of a secundum ASD. Arrhythmic events were defined as sustained or symptomatic AT requiring treatment. Twenty percent of patients (mean age 50 +/- 17 years; 26% men) referred for ASD closure had a history of AT. Early follow-up was available for 90% of patients, and the prevalence of AT was 17%. Of 171 patients with late follow-up (mean 1.9 +/- 0.9 years), data were available for 90%. AT was detected in 16% of these patients. Closure resulted in alleviation of symptoms (p <0.001), but symptoms alone did not identify patients at risk of recurrent AT. After closure of the ASD, the likelihood of remaining arrhythmia free was highest in patients without a history of AT (p = 0.001) and those <40 years at closure (p = 0.04). In conclusion, transcatheter ASD closure in patients without a history of arrhythmias and those <40 years of age conferred the highest likelihood of a patient remaining arrhythmia free in follow-up. An arrhythmia-specific treatment strategy should be considered for patients with documented established AT before ASD closure, in addition to shunt relief.