Relationship between epicardial fat accumulation and left atrial reverse remodeling after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Purpose To demonstrate the relationship between epicardial fat accumulation and left atrial reverse remodeling by cardiac multi-detector CT (MDCT) after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Materials and Methods Seventy-six patients underwent cardiac MDCT before and after catheter ablation of AF. Left atrial volume (LAV) and epicardial fat volume (EFV) were measured. LAV and EFV before and after catheter ablation of AF were respectively compared and the change percentages (CPs) were evaluated. Results The LAV after catheter ablation of AF was significantly less than the baseline LAV (107.5 ± 50.2 mL vs. 144.9 ± 62.6 mL, p < 0.001). The EFV after catheter ablation of AF was significantly greater than the baseline EFV (105.0 ± 35.6 mL vs. 90.1 ± 31.9 mL, p < 0.001). Mean CPs of LAV and EFV were -23.3% ± 20.8% and 15.9% ± 20.9%, respectively. There was a significantly negative relationship between the CPs of LAV and EFV (R = -0.53, p < 0.001). Conclusion Catheter ablation of AF may result in a reduction in LAV and an increase in EFV. Left atrial reverse remodeling with a reduction in LAV may be associated with epicardial fat accumulation in patients who undergo catheter ablation of AF.