Left atrial volume measurements before and after left atrial ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Background Recent studies have demonstrated the usefulness of CMR imaging in the management of patients with cardiac arrhythmia. CMR imaging allows for more accurate measurement of various cardiac dimensions. Significant changes in LA volumes have previously been documented in patients who have undergone ablation therapy. However, these studies have relied on simple two dimensional measurement techniques and did not specify how much time post ablation the volumes were measured. More accurate three-dimensional measurement techniques and the serial follow up of LA volume have been lacking and need further investigation.