Impact of Catheter Ablation on Atrial Fibrillation Burden and Symptoms in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is more common in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and is often highly symptomatic. The impact of catheter ablation (CA) may be under-reported when evaluated by long-term freedom from any atrial arrhythmia.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate whether CA of AF in patients with HCM would significantly reduce AF burden and improve symptoms.
Methods: A multicenter registry was established to enroll HCM patients with pre-existing cardiac implantable electronic devices undergoing CA of AF between 2017 and 2021. The first AF recurrence and burden 12 months before and after CA were determined.
Results: Eighty-one HCM patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices underwent CA of AF. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 1-year (35 [Q1-Q3 range: 23-50] months). AF was paroxysmal in 38 of 81 (46.9%) patients and burden pre-CA was 27.0% (Q1-Q3 range: 3.0% to 99.0%). Thirty-five (43.2%) patients had AF/atrial tachycardia recurrence within 12 months. AF burden reduced after CA to 0.5% (Q1-Q3 range: 0.0% to 11.1%) (P = 0.001); a 95% CI (range: 13.8% to 100%) relative reduction. European Hearth Rhythm Association class improved by 1.8 ± 1.3 classes (P < 0.001). Of those with AF/atrial tachycardia recurrence, the reduction in AF burden was -33.7% (Q1-Q3 range: -88.9% to -13.8%) (P < 0.001) and 20 (57.1%) patients reported symptomatic improvement by ≥1 European Hearth Rhythm Association class. AF burden reduction was associated with symptomatic improvement. (r = -0.67; P < 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: AF recurrence is common after CA in HCM patients, but this may under-represent the impact of CA in this cohort. CA significantly reduced AF burden and improved symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation of AF burden, symptoms, and hard endpoints is needed to determine the utility of CA in this context.
Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Boveda has received consulting fees from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Microport, and Zoll. Dr Rinaldi has received research funding and consulting fees from Abbott, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Microport, and Siemens/EBR systems. Dr Ginks has received speaker fees and travel grants from Biosense Webster, Atricure, and Abbott. Dr Lambiase has received research grants from Medtronic, Abbott, and Boston Scientific; and his work has been supported by UCLH Biomedicine NIHR and Barts BRC. Dr Hunter has received research grants and educational grants from Medtronic and Biosense Webster; and has received speaker fees and travel grants from Medtronic, Biosense Webster, and Abbott. Drs Honarbakhsh and Hunter invented the STAR mapping system and are shareholders in Rhythm AI Ltd. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.
(Copyright © 2024 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)