Effects of Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion after Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty on Echocardiographic Left and Right Atrial Functions

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and its prevalence is ∼1–2% of the general population, but higher with increasing age and in patients with concomitant heart disease especially mitral valve diseases.169 Amongst patients with MS, the most common complication is AF.85 Despite declining incidence of rheumatic heart disease worldwide, it remains the most common cause of MS.1,2 The onset of AF is a fundamental moment in MS which is often caused by atrial inflammation and remodeling. It causes further symptomatic decompensation, greatly increases the risk of systemic embolization, and reduces cardiac output and exercise capacity.86 Protection of the sinus rhythm in patients with MS is very important for reduction the risk of cerebral embolism, conservation of cardiac output and exercise capacity, and reduction of symptoms.171 In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of AF cardioversion post-PMBV on echocardiographic atrial functions. The study included 34 patients with MS and AF who all underwent a successful PMBV then randomized into 2 different groups according to the AF management Summary - 148 - strategy. Group-I patients (n=16) received DC cardioversion after amiodarone infusion (within 24 hours post-PMBV) in addition to anticoagulation. Group-II patients (n= 18) were kept on the rate control strategy