Left Atrial Deformation Imaging with Ultrasound Based Two‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Predicts the Rate of Recurrence of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation After Successful Ablation Procedures

Abstract

Compared with controls, AF itself seems to decrease LA deformation capabilities. The assessment of global LA strain with 2D-ST identifies patients with high risk for AF recurrence after ablation procedures. This imaging technique may help to improve therapeutic guiding for patients with AF.

Echocardiographic predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation: A literature review

“…There are several studies indicating that LA strain has higher predictive value than LA size obtained from conventional echocardiography [31,32]. The LA strain reflects LA reservoir, conduit and booster pump function.…”

“…Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is angle independent and thus more useful for LA strain analysis [31]. There are several studies indicating that LA strain has higher predictive value than LA size obtained from conventional echocardiography [31,32].…”

The Difference of Predictors for Recurrence After Catheter Ablation of Non-Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation According to Follow-Up Period

“…22) Recently, several study groups attempted to clarify the value of LA function to predict AF recurrence using LA deformation imaging in patients undergoing either cardioversion 23,24) or ablation procedures. 8,9,25) In some previous studies, deteriorated LA global strain was suggested to be a risk factor for AF recurrence after ablation. 9,26) LAeF was used in our study and it is a generally accepted representative of LA reservoir function, similar to LA global strain.…”

“…The reported predictors of recurrence after ablation are the presence of hypertension, long duration of AF, prolonged procedural time, enlarged LA diameter (LAD), or increased LA volume (LAV) and decreased LA function. [4][5][6][7][8][9] However, there is no consensus regarding the risk factors for recurrence because of heterogeneities in the study population, differences in the follow-up period, and differences in the type of AF.…”

“…The reported predictors of recurrence after ablation are the presence of hypertension, long duration of AF, prolonged procedural time, enlarged LA diameter (LAD), or increased LA volume (LAV) and decreased LA function. [4][5][6][7][8][9] However, there is no consensus regarding the risk factors for recurrence because of heterogeneities in the study population, differences in the follow-up period, and differences in the type of AF.Echocardiography has a well-recognized and essential role in the current guidelines for the assessment of cardiac structure and function in patients with AF.10) Several echocardiographic parameters for predicting the maintenance of SR after cardioversion, including LA size, mitral A wave velocity, and left atrium and LA appendage (LAA) mechanical function 11-13) have been reported. However, these echocardiographic predictors of AF recurrence have only been evaluated during a relatively short-term follow-up period.…”