Effectiveness of P-wave ECG index and left atrial appendage volume in predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence after first radiofrequency catheter ablation

BACKGROUND: The primary aim was to observe the predictive value of P-wave ECG index and left atrial appendage volume (LLAV) for atrial fibrillation recurrence after first radiofrequency catheter ablation. METHODS: A total of 196 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were enrolled. The preoperative LLAV was measured by cardiac enhanced CT. The P-wave ECG index including minimum P-wave duration (P-min), maximum P-wave duration (P-max), mean P-wave duration (mPWD), P-wave dispersion (PWD), P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PtfV1), PR interval prolongation, and interatrial block (IAB) were analyzed and recorded in 12-lead ECG of sinus rhythm. RESULTS: According to the follow-up results, the patients were divided into two groups: the non-recurrence group and the recurrence group. P-min, PWD, P-max, PtfV1 ≥ 0.04 mV·s, PR interval prolongation, and the ratio of first and third-degree IAB in the recurrence group were higher than those in the non-recurrence group, with significant statistical differences (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier curve analysis was performed on time to atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation when PtfV1 ≥ 0.04 mv s by comparison between groups (Log Rank test: 2 = 4.739, P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed that the survival rate without recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation was lower when the LLAV exceeded 8.0 mL (log-rank test P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PWD, P-max, PtfV1, PR interval prolongation, first and third-degree IAB, and LLAV can effectively predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation. The combination might be a valid and alternative independent predictor of recurrence.