Right atrial myocardial deformation by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography predicts recurrence in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

摘要

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a bi-atrial disease yet little attention has been given to right heart function in AF. We propose that the assessment of right atrial (RA) and right ventricular function (RV) using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) could be valuable in predicting AF recurrence in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF).MethodsThirty patients with PAF were prospectively recruited from a dedicated AF clinic. Right atrial size, volume, and area and RV dimensions were analyzed along with RA and RV strain derived from 2D-STE at baseline and at 3 and 12?months.ResultsHigher RA booster strain independently predicted sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance for up to 1?year (P?=?0.001). RV strain was impaired in patients with recurrent AF compared to those in SR (P?