The impact of diastolic dysfunction on the atrial substrate properties and outcome of catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Background: The presence of diastolic dysfunction increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), and might be associated with the left atrial (LA) substrate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between the diastolic dysfunction, atrial substrate and outcome of the catheter ablation. Methods and Results: Eighty-three patients with paroxysmal AF were enrolled. Diastolic dysfunction was defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥50%, and one of the following criteria: (1) a mitral inflow early filling velocity to atrial filling velocity ratio (E/A) of ≤0.75; or (2) an E/A ratio of >0.75 and a ratio of the mitral inflow early filling velocity to the velocity of the early medial mitral annular ascent of >10. Patients with diastolic dysfunction were older than those with normal cardiac function. There were no differences in the other baseline characteristics, LA diameter, or LVEF. A decreased LA voltage, and higher recurrence rate were noted in patients with diastolic dysfunction. In the univariate analysis, the patients with recurrence had a lower LA voltage and greater diastolic dysfunction. The multivariate analysis also indicated diastolic dysfunction and LA voltage as independent predictors of recurrence. Conclusions: The patients with diastolic dysfunction developed a different atrial substrate and had a worse outcome of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.