Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Quantification of atrial fibrillation–related imaging markers using spectral photon-counting computed tomography
Authors' conclusion
Patients with AF exhibit shorter SA-arteries and more IAS fibrosis- highlighting an interplay between vascular supply and fibrosis. Both features may serve as imaging biomarkers for identifying patients with occult asymptomatic AF undergoing coronary PCCT angiography for clinical indications - in whom reinforced screening for atrial fibrillation may be considered.
Study context
- Population
- Patients referred to photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) coronary angiography, with atrial fibrillation (AF) or controls in sinus rhythmincluded from 802 patients referred to PCCT coronary angiography, age 70.3 ±12.2 years, 37.7% women
- Participants
- 130 patients
- Comparison
- Patients with atrial fibrillation compared to controls
- AFn = 65
- Controlsn = 65
- Outcome
- SA-artery length and anatomy
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Patients with AF had shorter sinoatrial (SA)-arteries
- p<0.001
Further findings
IAS fibrosis (Score 2-4) · more prevalent in AF
P < 0.001
Fully fibrous IAS · more prevalent in AF
P < 0.001
| Outcome | AF | Controls | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| IAS densityHigher in AF | 55.3 HU | −44.2 HU | P < 0.001 |
| IAS iodine concentrationHigher in AF | 1.45 mg/mL | −0.1 mg/mL | P < 0.001 |
Correlation between interatrial septum (IAS) density and iodine concentration
- R
- 0.749
- p
- P < 0.001
IAS fibrosis, density and iodine concentration by left atrial remodeling (left atrial wall thickening (LAWT)>2mm)
- Patients with positive left atrial remodeling (LAWT>2mm) had higher IAS fibrosis scores, higher IAS density and iodine concentration
- P < 0.001
SA-node density and iodine concentration
- Higher in AF
- P < 0.001
Original publication
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