Transcatheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Long-term Results and Clinical Outcomes

Introduction: Radiofrequency transcatheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been proven feasible. However, the long-term results of RFCA and its impact on clinical course of HCM are unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse clinical outcomes and long-term efficacy of RFCA in a multicentre cohort of patients with HCM and concomitant AF. Methods: Patients with HCM and AF consecutively undergoing RFCA were included. Ablation failure was defined as recurrence of AF, atrial tachycardia or flutter lasting more than 3 minutes and occurring after the blanking period. Results: Overall, 116 patients with symptomatic AF refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs were included. Over a median follow-up of 6.0 years (IQR 3.0-8.9 years) recurrence rate after a single RFCA was 32.3 per 100 patient/years with 26% of patients free from AF relapses at six years follow-up. Among patients experiencing AF recurrence, 51 (66%) underwent at least one redo-procedure. The overall recurrence rate considering redo-procedures was 12.6 per 100 patients/years with 53% of patients free from AF relapses at six years. At last follow-up, with an average of 1.6 procedures, 67 (61%) patients were in sinus rhythm (SR). Patients remaining in SR showed better functional status compared with those experiencing arrhythmic recurrences (NYHA class 1.6±0.1 vs. 2.0±0.1, p=0.009). Conclusions: RFCA of AF in HCM patients is an effective and safe strategy favoring long-term SR maintenance, reduction of atrial arrhythmic events and improved functional status. However, most patients need repeat procedures and continuation of antiarrhythmic drugs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.