Importance of pericardial fat in the formation of complex fractionated atrial electrogram region in atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Background/objectives: Pericardial fat (PF) and complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) are both associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, we examined the relation between PF and CFAE area in AF.

Methods: The study population included 120 control patients without AF and 120 patients with AF (80 paroxysmal AF and 40 persistent AF) who underwent catheter ablation. Total cardiac PF volume, representing all adipose tissue within the pericardial sac, was measured by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The location and distribution of CFAE region were identified by left atrial endocardial mapping using a three-dimensional mapping system. We analyzed the significance of total cardiac PF volume and total area of CFAE region on AF, persistence of AF from paroxysmal to persistent form, and the relation between total cardiac PF volume and total CFAE area. We also evaluated the regional distribution of PF volume and CFAE area in five areas of the left atrium (LA).

Results: Total cardiac PF volume correlated with AF (odds ratio [OR]: 1.024, p<0.001). Total cardiac PF volume and total CFAE area were both independently associated with persistence of AF (OR: 1.018, p=0.018, OR: 1.144, p=0.002, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis identified total cardiac PF volume as a significant and independent determinant of total CFAE area (r=0.488, p<0.001). Furthermore, regional PF volume correlated with local CFAE area in an each LA area.

Conclusions: PF volume correlated significantly with CFAE area in patients with AF. This finding suggests that PF is directly related to the progression of CFAE area and promotes the pathogenic process of AF.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; complex fractionated atrial electrogram; fibrosis; inflammation; pericardial fat.