Effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation on left atrial structure and function in patients with different types of atrial fibrillation

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is widely used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), but its effect on left atrial (LA) remodeling in patients with AF is not completely clarified. Few studies have reported the changes in structure and function of the left atrium in patients with different types of AF after RFCA. To analyze the effect of RFCA on the LA structure and function in patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal AF, persistent AF and long-standing persistent AF (LSPAF). RFCA was performed in 180 patients with paroxysmal AF, persistent AF and LSPAF. The changes of LA structure and function in echocardiogram and speckle-tracking echocardiography findings were compared before the procedure, and at 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks, and 2, 3, 6, and 9–12 months after the procedure. There were 60 patients in the paroxysmal AF group, 60 in the persistent AF group and 60 patients in LSPAF group. The pre-procedure LA diameter and volume were smaller in the paroxysmal AF group than persistent AF and LSPAF group. There was no significant change of in the LA structure and function in the paroxysmal AF group within 1 year. In the persistent AF and LSPAF groups, LA structure (anteroposterior diameter, LA volume) significantly decreased, but remained larger than that in paroxysmal AF group. In persistent and LSPAF, function (LA ejection fraction, strain, strain rate) increased significantly within 1 week, then gradually increased. RFCA improved the LA structure and function and resulted in heart reverse remodeling, especially for persistent AF and LSPAF.