Extra cardiac findings by 64-multidetector computed tomography in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation prior to pulmonal vein isolation

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2011 Jan;27(1):127-34. doi: 10.1007/s10554-010-9653-9. Epub 2010 Jun 13.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of extracardiac findings diagnosed by 64-multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examinations prior to circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 158 patients (median age, 60.5 years; male 68%) underwent 64-MDCT of the chest and upper abdomen to characterize left atrial and PV anatomy prior to AF ablation. MDCT images were evaluated by a thoracic radiologist and a cardiologist. For additional scan interpretation, bone, lung, and soft tissue window settings were used. CT scans with extra-cardiac abnormalities categorized for the anatomic distribution and divided into two groups: Group 1-exhibiting clinically significant or potentially significant findings, and Group 2-patients with clinically non-significant findings. Extracardiac findings (n = 198) were observed in 113/158 (72%) patients. At least one significant finding was noted in 49/158 patients (31%). Group 1 abnormalities, such as malignancies or pneumonias, were found in 85/198 findings (43%). Group 2 findings, for example mild degenerative spine disease or pleural thickening, were observed in 113/198 findings (72%). 74/198 Extracardiac findings were located in the lung (37%), 35/198 in the mediastinum (18%), 8/198 into the liver (4%) and 81/198 were in other organs (41). There is an appreciable prevalence of prior undiagnosed extracardiac findings detected in patients with AF prior to PV-Isolation by MDCT. Clinically significant or potentially significant findings can be expected in ~40% of patients who undergo cardiac MDCT. Interdisciplinary trained personnel is required to identify and interpret both cardiac and extra cardiac findings.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings*
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Care Team
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Preoperative Care
  • Pulmonary Veins / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Veins / surgery
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Young Adult