Left Atrium Sphericity and Catheter Ablation Outcome in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Single-center Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Catheter ablation is becoming an increasingly utilized treatment option for atrial fibrillation (AF) due to its proven efficacy. This study aims to examine the correlation between changes in left atrium (LA) sphericity and the outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with AF, as there is limited understanding of the predictors influencing the success of catheter ablation. Methods: All eligible patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation were included. Demographic data consist of age, gender, beta-blocker agents, anti-arrhythmia agents, and past medical history and echocardiographic parameters including LA sphericity and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) LA diameter, LA area, LA volume index, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and CHA2DS2-VASc Score between successful and unsuccessful group were analyzed. Results: The results demonstrated a significant correlation between the success of catheter ablation and LA sphericity with unsuccessful cases showing a lower mean value of LA sphericity (P = 0.04). Furthermore, a significantly lower LVEF was observed in patients with unsuccessful ablation outcomes (P = 0.02). Conclusion: The study suggests that changes in LA sphericity can potentially predict the success of catheter ablation in AF patients. This insight could aid in identifying high-risk patients and optimizing AF treatment strategies.

Keywords

• atrial fibrillation
• catheter ablation
• echocardiographic parameters
• left atrium sphericity