ABSTRACT
To investigate the electrophysiologic characteristics of f-wave amplitude and to evaluate its role in development and persistence of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Methods: Epicardial mapping was performed in 44 patients with chronic AF of RHD who underwent heart valve surgery. Ten patients with supraventricular tachycardia served as the control group. Results:The f-wave amplitude of left atrium (LA) and middle and low LA posterior regions were significantly lower than those of the control group. The f-wave amplitudes of the upper, middle and low sections in LA posterior region were significantly lower than those in right atrium (RA) (P<0.05). The f-wave amplitudes were compared before and after electrocardioversion in 14 patients with chronic AF. The mean atrial electrogram amplitude during sinus rhythm was significantly higher than that during AF (P<0.01).The f-wave amplitude in left appendage was higher than that in LA posterior region (the upper,middle and the lower part),P<0.05.The f-wave amplitude in the upper section of LA was significantly higher than that in the middle section. The f-wave amplitude in AF group was not correlated to the diameter or volume of both atria. Conclusion: There are amplitudes differences between the upper, middle and lower LA,suggesting that the middle and lower sections of LA posterior wall may be the region producing anisotropy and reentrant circle.
ABSTRACT
To investigate the electrophysiologic characteristics of f-wave amplitude and to evaluate its role in development and persistence of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Methods: Epicardial mapping was performed in 44 patients with chronic AF of RHD who underwent heart valve surgery. Ten patients with supraventricular tachycardia served as the control group. Results:The f-wave amplitude of left atrium (LA) and middle and low LA posterior regions were significantly lower than those of the control group. The f-wave amplitudes of the upper, middle and low sections in LA posterior region were significantly lower than those in right atrium (RA) (P<0.05). The f-wave amplitudes were compared before and after electrocardioversion in 14 patients with chronic AF. The mean atrial electrogram amplitude during sinus rhythm was significantly higher than that during AF (P<0.01).The f-wave amplitude in left appendage was higher than that in LA posterior region (the upper,middle and the lower part),P<0.05.The f-wave amplitude in the upper section of LA was significantly higher than that in the middle section. The f-wave amplitude in AF group was not correlated to the diameter or volume of both atria. Conclusion: There are amplitudes differences between the upper, middle and lower LA,suggesting that the middle and lower sections of LA posterior wall may be the region producing anisotropy and reentrant circle.