Tissue doppler imaging of left atrial appendage during transoesophageal echocardiography predicts successful cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Restoration sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) prevents from thromboembolic events, decreases the risk for cardiomyopathy and improves quality life. Purpose This study aimed to determine whether Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) during transesophageal echo (TEE) could predict successful electrical cardioversion (CV) AF lasting more than 48 hours but less 6 months. Methods One hundred patients, 74 men 26 women mean age 64.7 ± 9.8 years old non-valvular were included. Pulse wave (PW) velocities as well TDI medial lateral walls left appendage (LAA) recorded TEE before cardioversion. Synchronized was occurred within 12 after using 100-200 Joules. We also evaluated LA size global strain LAA. Results Sinus restoration succeeded 80% maintained until discharge, later. > 8cm/s correlated (sensitivity 70% specificity 63%) predictive compared PW 40cm/s. recordings at LAA wall accurate, artefacts better positioning sample volume. Global longitudinal not significantly CV outcome. Conclusion Our results indicate that be used a cut-off value predicting AF.