Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Remodelling for the Prognosis of Maintaining Sinus Rhythm after Electrical Cardioversion in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common atrial tachyarrhythmia. One of the methods of AF treatment is direct current cardioversion (DCCV), but in the long-term follow-up we observe quite a high percentage of AF recurrences after this procedure. In order to assess the prognosis of DCCV effectiveness, we use clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic parameters. The objective of this review is to systematise the current knowledge on echocardiographic measurements in patients with persistent AF used to assess the progress of remodelling of the atrial wall, which affects the likelihood of maintaining sinus rhythm after DCCV. In this article, echocardiographic parameters for the evaluation of remodelling of the atrial wall are divided into groups referring to structural, mechanical, and electrical remodelling, as well as parameters for the evaluation of left ventricular filling pressure. The article aims to draw attention to the clinical value of echocardiographic measurements, which is the selection of patients who will maintain sinus rhythm after DCCV in the long-term follow-up, which will allow to avoid unnecessary risks associated with the procedure and enable the selection of the appropriate treatment strategy.