Impact of coronary atherosclerosis on the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Coronary atherosclerosis has been associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about the impact of coronary atherosclerosis on the outcome treatment of AF. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of coronary atherosclerosis on the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for AF using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT).

METHODS: In 125 consecutive patients undergoing RFCA for AF, a pre-procedural MDCT examination (coronary angiography and/or coronary calcium score) was performed to evaluate the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Furthermore, all patients underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation to measure the left atrial size and to rule out structural heart disease. After RFCA all patients were regularly evaluated at the outpatient clinic.

RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 12 ± 3 months, 78 patients (62%) had maintained stable sinus rhythm and 47 patients (38%) had recurrence of AF. Left atrial volume index was a significant predictor of AF recurrence after RFCA. The presence of coronary atherosclerosis on MDCT did not influence the efficacy of RFCA for AF.

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of coronary atherosclerosis on MDCT is not associated with a higher risk for AF recurrence after RFCA.