Incremental Value of Right Atrial Strain Analysis to Predict Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Electrical Cardioversion

Background: Although the assessment of left atrial (LA) mechanics has been reported to refine atrial fibrillation (AF) risk prediction, it doesn't completely predict AF recurrences. The potential added role of right atrial (RA) function in this setting is unknown. Accordingly, this study sought to evaluate the added value of RA longitudinal reservoir strain (RASr) for the prediction of AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion (ECV). Methods: We retrospectively studied 132 consecutive patients with persistent AF who underwent elective ECV. Complete two-dimensional and speckle-tracking echocardiography analyses of LA and RA size and function were obtained in all patients before ECV. The endpoint was AF recurrence. Results: During a 12-month follow-up of, 63 patients (48%) showed AF recurrence. Both LA and RASr were significantly lower in patients experiencing AF recurrence than in patients with persistent sinus rhythm (LASr 10±6 vs 13±7%, and RASr 14±10 vs 20±9 %, respectively, p<0.001 for both). RASr (AUC=0.77, 95%IC 0.69-0.84, p<0.0001) was more strongly associated with the recurrence of AF after ECV than LASr (AUC=0.69 (95%IC 0.60-0.77), p<0.0001]. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with both LASr≤10% and RASr ≤15% had a significantly increased risk for AF recurrences (log-rank, p<0.001). However, at multivariable Cox regression, RASr [HR 3.26, 95%CI (1.73-6.13), p< 0.001] was the only parameter independently associated with the AF recurrence. RASr was more strongly associated with the occurrence of AF relapse after ECV than LASr, LA and RA volumes. Conclusions: RASr was independently and more strongly associated than LASr with AF recurrence after elective ECV. This study highlights the importance of assessing the functional remodeling of both RA and LA in patients with persistent AF.