Reflux esophagitis in the pathogenesis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: results of a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
We sought to assess whether proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) leads to a reduction of PAF-related symptoms.


METHODS
The records of patients with reflux esophagitis were screened for the diagnosis of lone PAF. All patients with reflux esophagitis and lone PAF were invited for a follow-up visit, at which PAF- and GERD-related symptoms, medication, and electrocardiogram were recorded.


RESULTS
Among 89 patients, 18 (6 women, aged 39-69 years) had lone PAF. Decrease or disappearance of at least one PAF-related symptom occurred in 14 of 18 patients (78%) after PPI therapy. In two of the remaining four patients, GERD-related symptoms persisted. Antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued in five patients, and none had to be increased in dosage or newly prescribed. The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In lone PAF, GERD should be investigated as a potential pathogenetic mechanism. PPI therapy reduces not only GERD-related but also PAF-related symptoms.
Weigl
Manuela
M
Department of Medicine, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria.
Gschwantler
Michael
M
Gatterer
Edmund
E
Finsterer
Josef
J
Stöllberger
Claudia
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors