The predictive value of galectin‐3 levels on left atrial low voltage areas assessed by high‐density mapping in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Aims: Galectin-3 is an inflammation biomarker that is associated with atrial fibrosis and plays a role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Low voltage areas (LVAs) identified using an electroanatomical mapping system represent the presence of fibrotic tissue. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between coronary sinus (CS) serum sampling of galectin-3 levels and the presence and extent of LVA in patients with paroxysmal AF.Methods: A total of 115 consecutive paroxysmal AF patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) included prospectively in the study. Voltage mapping was performed before PVI during sinus rhythm guided by multipolar high-density mapping catheter and LVAs were defined as regions where bipolar peak to peak voltage was <0.5 mV. Galectin-3 levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: CS serum sampling of galectin-3 levels was significantly higher in paroxysmal AF patients with LVA than those without LVA (16.5 ± 3.7 ng/ml vs. 10.2 ±2.7 ng/ ml, respectively, p < .001). CS serum sampling of galectin-3 levels was significantly higher in paroxysmal AF patients with moderate and severe LVA than in paroxysmal AF patients with mild LVA (17 ± 3.5 ng/ml and 20.1 ± 1.3 ng/ml vs. 13.3 ± 2.3 ng/ ml, respectively, p = .002). In the multivariate analysis female gender (odds ratio [

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease predicts low voltage zones in the posteroinferior left atrium in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

“…These are suggested to encompass local and systemic inflammation, chemical or mechanical irritation, and irritation of the vagal nerve. 29 Inflammation, including both systemic and local responses, is believed to play a role in the development of LVZs, 30 , 31 and there is a close proximity between the posteroinferior wall of the LA and the esophagus. Notably, the LA wall in the superior part of the posterior section is thinner than that in the inferior part.…”