Impact of a Novel Score to Predict Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction After Catheter Ablation of Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation With Preserved Ejection Fraction

The impact of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFCA) on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is still unknown. This study aimed to develop a novel risk score to predict LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) 12 months after AFCA (12-month LVDD) and to evaluate whether the risk score was associated with cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, transient ischemic attack/stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure hospitalization). We studied 397 patients with nonparoxysmal AF with preserved ejection fraction who underwent initial AFCA (age: 69 years, women: 32%). LVDD was diagnosed if more than 2 of 3 variables (average E/e' ratio >14, septal e' velocity <7 cm/s or lateral e' velocity <10 cm/s, and tricuspid valve regurgitation velocity >2.8 m/s) were present. The 12-month LVDD was observed in 89 patients (23%). A total of 4 preprocedural variables (woman, average E/e' ratio ≥9.6, age ≥74 years, and left atrial diameter ≥50 mm [WEAL]) were identified as predictors of 12-month LVDD on multivariable analysis. We developed a WEAL score. The prevalence of 12-month LVDD increased as WEAL scores increased (p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in cardiovascular events-free survival between those at high risk (WEAL score: 3 or 4) and those at low risk (WEAL score: 0, 1, or 2). (86.6% vs 97.2%, log-rank p = 0.009). The WEAL score before AFCA is useful to predict 12-month LVDD after AFCA in patients with nonparoxysmal AF with preserved ejection fraction and is associated with cardiovascular events after AFCA.