Conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm with amiodarone

Abstract

In order to assess the efficacy of amiodarone as an atrial fibrillation cardioverter a trial was performed with 88 individual experiments on 80 patients with stable atrial fibrillation secondary to various cardiopathies. Eighty six per cent of the treated episodes successfully converted to sinus rhythm usually between the 3rd and 5th days of treatment, and the rate of reversion one year later was very low (72% of controlled patients were on sinus rhythm). Failure to convert was related to enlargement of one or both atria. Most important reversible side effects such as corneal micro-deposits, hormonal disturbances and AV and intraventricular conduction defects were discussed. Comparing results with DC electrical countershock an amiodarone to obtain conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, it is possible to conclude equal efficacy and innocuity for both, although being the chemical use is easier by its simple requirements in contrast with the complex procedure inherent to the former.