scholarly journals Hyperintense Brain Lesions in Asymptomatic Low Risk Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Radiofrequency Pulmonary Vein Isolation

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 565
Author(s):  
Joanna Wieczorek ◽  
Katarzyna Mizia-Stec ◽  
Anetta Lasek-Bal ◽  
Piotr Wieczorek ◽  
Iwona Woźniak-Skowerska ◽  
...  

Background: The aim was to determine the occurrence, consequences and risk factors for brain white matter hyperintensities (WMH) assessed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in low-risk patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation (PVI-RF). Methods: 74 patients with AF (median 58.5 years (IQR 50–63), 45 male) were included. Before and after a minimum of 6 months after PVI-RF, a brain MRI and a mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were performed. Results: Baseline WMH lesions were found in 55 (74.3%) patients and in 48 from 62 (77.4%) patients after PVI-RF. The WMH lesions were more frequent among older patients, with a higher CHA2DS2-Vasc (C—Congestive heart failure/LV dysfunction, H—Hypertension, A—Age, D—Diabetes mellitus, S—Stroke, V—Vascular Disease, Sc—Sex category). Factors affecting the severity of the WMH were: older age, the co-existence of the PFO and coronary artery disease (CAD). After a follow-up period, the factors predisposing to brain WMH lesions occurrence (age, higher BMI and CHA2DS2-Vasc score) and to the more advanced changes (age, higher CHA2DS2-Vasc score, CAD, PFO) were obtained. Conclusions: The presence and severity of cerebral microembolism are associated with age, higher CHA2DS2-Vasc score and the coexistence of PFO and CAD. PVI-RF procedure and its efficacy does not influence on MRI lesions. In this population, cerebral microembolism is not related to cognitive impairment.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Wieczorek ◽  
M Cichon ◽  
P Wieczorek ◽  
A Hoffmann ◽  
A Wnuk-Wojnar ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) becomes more suitable and effective therapy. There are no consistent data describing the occurrence of potential neurological complications in low-risk patients with paroxysmal AF. AIM to determine the occurrence, consequences and risk factors for brain white matter hiperintensities (WMH) assessed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in low-risk patients before and after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) treatment. METHODS Eighty patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF (median age: 58 years (IQR 50-63), K/M: 30/50), CHA2DS2-Vasc ≤ 3 (CHA2DS2-Vasc: 2 (IQR 1-2.5)) were included in the study. Before and after a minimum of 6-month period after PVI-RF treatment (med. 9,9 months, IQR 7.6-11.8 months) a clinical evaluation with brain MRI and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test were determined. Severity of brain WMH in MRI was assessed in the Fazekas scale (pic 1). The efficacy of PVI-RF treatment analyzed in a 7-day Holter monitoring was confirmed in 43 (53.8%) patients. RESULTS Baseline WMH lesions were found in 55 (68.8%) patients. Patients with baseline WMH lesion obtained similar results in the MMSE test, compared to patients with a normal brain image in the MRI study. There was a statistically significant more frequent occurrence of cerebral WMH lesions among older patients, with a higher CHA2DS2-Vasc score, with left atrial (LA) dilatation and dysfunction. Factors affecting the severity of the WMH were: the co-occurrence of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) and coronary artery disease (CAD). After PVI-RF treatment there were no significant changes in the presence and severity of WMH lesions. Similarly, there were no significant changes in the cognitive abilities assessed with MMSE test compared to the pre-procedural evaluation. There were also similar factors predisposing to brain WMH changes: older age, higher CHA2DS2-Vasc score and higher BMI. In turn, the degree of the brain WMH severity after observation period was dependent on age, higher CHA2DS2-Vasc score, presence of PFO and CAD and the initial LA function. CONCLUSIONS Cerebral microembolism assessed in MRI is often found in low-risk patients with paroxysmal AF, and its presence and severity are associated with LA dilatation and dysfunction, age and higher CHA2DS2-Vasc score. Additional factors affecting the severity of WMH lesions are: the co-occurrence of PFO and CAD. PVI-RF procedure and its efficacy does not influence on MRI lesions. In the population of relatively young AF patients with no significant cardiovascular disease burden, cerebral microembolism is not related to cognitive impairment. Abstract P1816 Figure. pic 1


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Chikata ◽  
T Kato ◽  
K Ududa ◽  
S Fujita ◽  
K Otowa ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) affects ganglionated plexi (GP) around the atrium, leading to a modification of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic system (ANS). In animal models, GP ablation has a potential risk of QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. However, the impact of PVI on QT intervals in humans remains unclear. Purpose This study aims to evaluate the Impact of PVI on QT interval in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Methods We analyzed consecutive 117 PAF patients for their first PVI procedures. 12-lead ECG was evaluated at baseline, 4 hr, day 1, 1 month, and 3 months after ablation. Only patients with sinus rhythm on 12-lead ECG at each evaluation point without antiarrhythmic drugs were included. Results Heart rate significantly increased at 4 hr, day 1, and 1 month. Raw QT interval prolonged at 4 hr (417.1±41.6 ms, P<0.001) but shortened at day 1 (376.4±34.1 ms, P<0.001), 1 month (382.2±31.5 ms, P<0.001), and 3 months (385.1±32.8 ms, P<0.001) compared to baseline (391.6±31.4 ms). Bazett- and Fridericia- corrected QTc intervals significantly prolonged at 4hr (Bazett: 430.8±27.9 ms, P<0.001; Fridericia: 425.8±27.4 ms, P<0.001), day1 (Bazett: 434.8±22.3 ms, P<0.001; Fridericia: 414.1±23.7 ms, P<0.001), 1M (Bazett: 434.8±22.3 ms, P<0.001; Fridericia: 408.2±21.0 ms, P<0.05), and 3M (Bazett: 420.1±21.8 ms, P<0.001; Fridericia: 407.8±21.1 ms, P<0.05) compared to baseline (Bazett: 404.9±25.2 ms; Fridericia: 400.0±22.6 ms). On the other hand, Framingham- and Hodges- corrected QTc interval significantly prolonged only at 4hr (Framingham: 424.1±26.6 ms, P<0.001; Hodges: 426.8±28.4 ms, P<0.001) and at day1 (Framingham: 412.3±29.3 ms, P<0.01; Hodges: 410.6±40.2 ms, P<0.05) compared to baseline (Framingham: 399.2±22.7 ms; Hodges: 400.7±22.8 ms). At 4 hr after ablation, raw QT and QTc of all formulas significantly prolonged than baseline. Raw QT and QTc prolongation at 4hr after ablation were more frequently observed in female patients. Multiple regression analysis revealed that female patient is a significant predictor of raw QT and QTc interval prolongation of all formulas 4hr after PVI. Conclusions Raw QT and QTc prolonged after PVI, especially in the acute phase. Female patient is a risk factor for QT prolongation in the acute phase after PVI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Lycke ◽  
Maria Kyriakopoulou ◽  
Milad El Haddad ◽  
Jean-Yves Wielandts ◽  
Gabriela Hilfiker ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) reduces AF recurrence, AF burden, and improves quality of life. Data on clinical and procedural predictors of arrhythmia recurrence are scarce and are flawed by the high rate of pulmonary vein reconnection evidenced during repeat procedures after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In this study, we identified clinical and procedural predictors for AF recurrence 1 year after CLOSE-guided PVI, as this strategy has been associated with an increased PVI durability. Methods and results Patients with paroxysmal AF, who received CLOSE-guided PVI and who participated in a prospective trial in our centre, were included in this study. Uni- and multivariate models were plotted to find clinical and procedural predictors for AF recurrence within 1 year. Three hundred twenty-five patients with a mean age of 63 years (CHA2DS2VASc 1 [1–3], left atrium diameter 41 ± 6 mm) were included. About 60.9% were male individuals. After 1 year, AF recurrence occurred in 10.5% of patients. In a binary logistic regression analysis, the diagnosis-to-ablation time (DAT) was found to be the strongest predictor of AF recurrence (P = 0.011). Diagnosis-to-ablation time ≥1 year was associated with a nearly two-fold increased risk for developing AF recurrence. Conclusion The DAT is the most important predictor of arrhythmia recurrence in low-risk patients treated with durable pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal AF. Whether reducing the DAT could improve long-term outcomes should be investigated in another trial.


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Loh ◽  
MHA Groen ◽  
K Taha ◽  
FHM Wittkampf ◽  
PA Doevendans ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Abbott Background Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a promising new non-thermal ablation technology for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). First in human studies demonstrated the feasibility and safety of IRE PVI. Objective Further investigate the safety of IRE PVI. Methods Twenty patients with symptomatic AF underwent IRE PVI under conscious sedation. Oral anticoagulation was uninterrupted and heparin was administered to maintain activated clotting time at 300-350 seconds. Non-arcing, non-barotraumatic 6 ms, 200 J IRE applications were delivered via a custom non-steerable 8 F, 14-polar circular IRE ablation catheter with a variable hoop diameter (16-27 mm). Voltage mapping  of the left atrium and the PVs was performed before and after ablation with a conventional circular mapping catheter. For both catheters a single transseptal access (8 F introducer, Agilis NxTTM) was used. Adenosine testing was performed after a 30-minute waiting period. On day 1 after ablation, patients underwent esophagoscopy and brain MRI (DWI/FLAIR). If abnormalities were detected, examinations were repeated in due time. Results In 20 patients, all 80 PVs could be successfully isolated with a mean of 11,8 ± 1,4 IRE applications per patient. Average time from first to last IRE application was 22 ± 5 minutes, total procedure duration was 107 ± 13 minutes and total fluoroscopy time was 23 ± 5 minutes. One PV reconnection occurred during adenosine testing, re-isolation was achieved with 2 additional IRE pulses. No periprocedural complications were observed. Brain MRI on day 1 after ablation showed punctate asymptomatic lesions in 3/20 patients (15%). At follow-up MRI the lesion disappeared in 1 patient while in the other 2 patients 1 lesion persisted. Esophagoscopy on day 1 showed an asymptomatic esophageal lesion in 1/20 patients (5%), at repeat esophagoscopy on day 22 the lesion had resolved completely. Conclusion Acute electrical PV isolation could be achieved safely and rapidly by IRE ablation under conscious sedation in 20 patients with symptomatic AF. Acute silent cerebral lesions were detected in 3/20 patients (15%) and may be due to ablation or to changes of therapeutic and diagnostic catheters over a single transseptal access.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Usama Boles ◽  
Enes E Gul ◽  
Andres Enriquez ◽  
Howard Lee ◽  
Dave Riegert ◽  
...  

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