Left Atrial Remodeling and Cerebrovascular Disease Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Continuously Monitored Patients

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningfagfællebedømt

Background: Atrial remodeling is associated with future atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. AF has been associated with cognitive impairment and cerebral white matter lesions. We wished to investigate the possible direct association between atrial remodeling and cerebrovascular disease in patients with and without AF documented by implantable loop recorder (ILR). Methods: Cardiac and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging were acquired in a cross-sectional study, including participants ≥70 years of age with stroke risk factors without known AF. Cerebrovascular disease was visually rated using the Fazekas scale and number of lacunar strokes. Left atrial (LA) and ventricular volumes and function were analyzed. Associations between atrial remodeling and cerebrovascular disease were assessed with logistic regression models. The analyses were stratified according to sinus rhythm or any AF during 3 months of continuous ILR monitoring to account for subclinical AF. Results: Of 200 participants investigated, 87% had a Fazekas score ≥1 and 45% had ≥1 lacunar infarct. Within 3 months of ILR monitoring, AF was detected in 28 (14%) participants. For participants with sinus rhythm (n = 172), lower LA passive emptying fraction was associated with Fazekas score after multivariable adjustment (OR [95% CI]: 0.51 [0.27; 0.86] p = 0.02), and increased LA maximum (OR [95% CI]: 1.38 [1.07; 1.82] p = 0.01) and minimum volumes (OR [95% CI]: 1.48 [1.03; 2.17] p = 0.04) were associated with lacunar infarcts. There were no significant associations in patients with AF. Conclusion: In AF-free patients, as documented by ILR monitoring, we found an independent association between LA passive emptying fraction and Fazekas score and between atrial volumes and lacunar infarcts.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftCerebrovascular Diseases
Vol/bind51
Udgave nummer3
Sider (fra-til)403–412
ISSN1015-9770
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2022

Bibliografisk note

Funding Information:
S.Z.D. is a part-time employee of Vital Beats, not related to this work. K.J.H. reported travel and educational grants from Medtronic, Abbott, and Biotronik and speaker honoraria from Boehringer Ingelheim not related to this work. A.B. reported a research grant from Gilead and personal fees from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, MSD, and Bristol-Myers Squibb not related to this work. D.K. reported to be a Medtronic Focus Group member. L.K. reports speaker honoraria from Bayer, Astra-Zeneca, Orion Pharma, Novartis, and Sanofi, not related to this work. J.H.S. reports to be a member of Medtronic advisory boards and to have received speaker honoraria and research grants from Medtronic in relation to this work, in addition to research grant from Gilead not related to this work. The authors report no relationships that could be construed as a conflict of interest.

Funding Information:
The LOOP study is supported by The Innovation Fund Denmark (12-135225), The Research Foundation for the Capital Region of Denmark (no grant no.), The Danish Heart Foundation (11-04-R83-A3363-22625), Aalborg University Talent Management Program (no grant no.), Arvid Nilssons Fond (no grant no.), Skibsreder Per Henriksen, R. og Hustrus Fond (no grant no.), and Medtronic (no grant no.).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.

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