Pulmonary vein calcification by EBCT in patients with drug refractory nonvalular atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary veins in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have been shown to be highly arrhythmogenic. Calcification in these veins may play an adjunctive role in the pathogenesis of AF.


RESULTS
A case control study was performed in patients with drug refractory nonvalvular AF whose preablation computed tomography chest scans demonstrated pulmonary vein (PV) calcification. Eight out of 48 patients with PV calcification were compared to 50 patients without AF who underwent electron beam computed tomography coronary artery calcium scores. These patients were matched for age, gender, coronary artery calcium scores, and the presence of PV calcification. The mean age of the combined group was 57 +/- 9 years and 60% were men. The mean total PV calcium score was significantly higher at 199 +/- 112 in patients with AF compared to 106 +/- 52 in controls (p = 0.018). Men had significantly higher total PV calcium score than women in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Total PV calcium score was significantly higher in patients with atrial fibrillation. Increased PV calcification may play an adjunctive role in the pathogenesis in initiating and maintaining AF.
Adams
James
J
Sutter Pacific Heart Centers, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Natale
Andrea
A
Elayi
Claude S
CS
Di Biase
Luigi
L
Martin
David O
DO
Beheiry
Salwa
S
Hao
Steven
S
Hongo
Richard
R
Ching
Chi Keong
CK
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed