260 patients with atrial fibrillation were included who underwent nuclear magnetic resonance 30 days before ablation and 90 days following. The patients were classified into four groups according to the degree of fibrosis: stage 1 ( < 10% fibrosis), stage 2 ( > 10% and < 20% fibrosis), stage 3 (> 20% and < 30% fibrosis) and stage 4 ( > 30% fibrosis).

After adjusting for multiple variables it was found that for every additional 1% fibrosis there was a significant increase of 5.8% in the risk of recurrence.

Conclusion:

The extent of fibrosis evaluated by MRI is the only predictor of arrhythmia recurrence. 

Nassir Marrouche
2013-09-02

Original title: DECAAF: Delayed Enhancement—MRI determinant of successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation (DECAAF): Analysis of post ablation scar and outcome