EVALUATION OF RIGHT VENTRICLE SYSTOLIC AND DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Abstract

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently an electrical sign of underlying structural heart disease. Structural remodelling may begin not only in ventricles but also in atrium secondary to AF. In this study, we sought to investigate the effect of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) on right ventricle function. Method: We prospectively analyzed 30 patients diagnosed with PAF and 25 control individuals. Cardiac risk factors and medical treatment of patients were obtained and recorded in both groups. Right ventricle tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and Tei indexes were measured as an indicator of right ventricular function. Results: There was no statistical difference between groups in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. Tei index was higher and TAPSE was lower in PAF group compared to control individuals (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between PAF and control groups in terms of right ventricular diastolic functions neither. Although isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was higher in PAF group, it did not give statistical significance. Conclusion: In this study, even not being statistically significant Tei index, which assess right ventricular function was over upper limit in PAF patients. This may have been as the result of prolonged IVRT. This result may indicate that right ventricular diastolic functions may be effected in patients with PAF.

Keywords

• atrial fibrillation
• right ventricle
• 2d echocardiography