Interatrial block (IAB) (P wave ≥110 ms) is a potential risk of atrial fibrillation
(AF). However, few investigations have assessed the relevance of echocardiographic
parameters, particularly the contribution of its known correlate, left atrial enlargement
in this regard. We identified 32 consecutive patients with comparable echocardiographic
parameters, such as left atrial dimension and left ventricular ejection fraction.
Patients were evaluated for IAB and followed for 15 months for cardiovascular events
(heart failure, transient ischemic attacks, and stroke), atrial tachyarrhythmias (AF/atrial
flutter), and death. Preexisting AF and IAB (p = 0.02) were significantly associated
with future AF events. However, logistic regression analysis indicated that IAB was
not an independent predictor of future AF, only preexisting atrial tachyarrhythmias
was (hazard ratio 39.5, 95% confidence interval 2.7 to 576.3, p = 0.007). In conclusion,
in patients with comparable echocardiographic parameters, such as left atrial size
and left ventricular ejection fraction, IAB remained associated with AF after a 15-month
follow-up. Additional investigation is needed to confirm the extent of the association.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 11, 2006
Accepted:
August 10,
2006
Received in revised form:
August 10,
2006
Received:
July 18,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
