Prognostic Value of Total Atrial Conduction Time Measured with Tissue Doppler Imaging to Predict the Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm after External Electrical Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

摘要

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with a high recurrence rate, especially during the first months after cardioversion (CV). Few parameters have been evaluated as predictors for the maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR), with limited results. Recently total atrial conduction time (TACT) has been proposed as independent predictor of AF recurrence. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of TACT, measured using PA-TDI duration, to predict 1-year maintenance of restored SR after electrical CV.