In post-mortem material, structural changes in the atria were not associated with age, but were significantly correlated with presence of AF and its severity. Our findings suggest that age-related changes per se are unlikely to be the sole cause of advanced fibrosis underlying AF.

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PV isolation alone has a lower efficacy for preventing recurrence in paroxysmal AF in AIH patients. After repeat ablations, overall freedom from tachyarrhythmias is similar to patients with no history of thyroid dysfunction.

Histological signs of chronic inflammation affecting ventricular myocardium are strongly associated with AF and demonstrate significant correlation with fibrosis extent that cannot be explained by cardiovascular comorbidities otherwise.

Aim. To evaluate the effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (CA) on long-term freedom from AF and left heart reverse remodeling in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods. There were 47 patients (mean age 53.3 ± 10 years, 39 males) enrolled into single-center observational study, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40 %. Patients underwent CA for AF refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Baseline clinical data and diagnostic tests results were obtained during personal visits and / or via secure telemedical services. Personal contact with evaluation of recurrence of AF and echocardiographic values was performed with 30 (64 %) patients.Results. Paroxysmal AF was present in 12 (40 %) patients, persistent – in 18 (60 %). During mean follow-up of 3 years (0.5–6 years) redo ablation was performed in 9 patients (30 %) with average number of 1.3 procedures per patient. At 6 months 24 (80 %) patients were free from AF, at last follow-up – 16 (53 %). The mean time to first recurrence following CA was 15.6±13.3 months. Follow-up echocardiography revealed significant LVEF improvement (р<0,0001), reduction of left atrium size (р<0,0001), left ventricle end-diastolic volume (р<0,002) and left ventricle endsystolic volume (p<0,0001) and mitral regurgitation (р=0,001).Conclusion. AF CA in patients with HFrEF is associated with improvement in systolic function and left heart reverse remodeling. Durable long-term antiarrhythmic effect often requires repeated procedures.