Monday, June 18, 2018

Unsuccessful cardioversion in AF

Q: Cardioversion from atrial fibrillation (AF) to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) has low likelihood in the presence of all of the following except?

A) AF continuously present for more than 3 months
B) Markedly enlarged atriums
C) Pneumonia
D) Thyrotoxicosis
E) Mitral valve disease


Answer:  A

If underlying diseases are not treated (choices C, D and E), chances of successful cardioversion from AF to NSR remains low. Markedly enlarged atriums with left atrium having dimension >6.0 cm or right atrium having dimension >37 mm may also be a hindrance in this process (choice B). 3

Time period described to make successful cardioversion from AF to NSR is to be present continuously for about one year.

#cardiology


References: 

1. Elhendy A, Gentile F, Khandheria BK, et al. Predictors of unsuccessful electrical cardioversion in atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2002; 89:83. 

2. Dittrich HC, Erickson JS, Schneiderman T, et al. Echocardiographic and clinical predictors for outcome of elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 1989; 63:193. 

3. Henry WL, Morganroth J, Pearlman AS, et al. Relation between echocardiographically determined left atrial size and atrial fibrillation. Circulation 1976; 53:273. 

No comments:

Post a Comment