Changes in Atrial Size Following PVI: Comparison of the Right and Left Atria

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is expected to cure atrial fibrillation (AF) and to improve atrial remodeling. However, the effects of PVI on the right atrial (RA) size have not been fully examined. We studied the effects of PVI on RA size in comparison that with the effects on LA size.
Method: We studied 17 patients with drug-refractory AF (11 paroxysmal, 6 persistent). Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed at baseline and at follow-up to measure and compare RA and LA size.
Results: Despite a short duration of AF in 7 patients after the PVI, all cases were maintained in sinus rhythm during the follow-up. LA and RA size were both reduced after the PVI compared with baseline measurements (LA 25.5 ± 2.9cm² vs. 23.2 ± 3.6cm², P < 0.05, RA 21.2 ± 2.9cm² vs. 18.1 ± 3.0cm², P < 0.01). The reduction ratio was more prominent in RA size (14.9%) than in LA size (8.7%)(P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Atrial size was reduced following PVI for both the LA and RA, although the rate of reduction was more prominent in the RA.