Impact of Atrial Fibrillation during ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction on Infarct Characteristics and Prognosis

Sebastian J. Reinstadler, Thomas Stiermaier, Charlotte Eitel, Georg Fuernau, Mohammed Saad, Janine Pöss, Suzanne De Waha, Meinhard Mende, Steffen Desch, Bernhard Metzler, Holger Thiele, Ingo Eitel*

*Corresponding author for this work
1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently observed in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and associated with worse clinical outcome. However, the mechanisms for this increased risk are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of the presence of AF to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived myocardial salvage and damage as well as clinical outcomes. Methods and Results - This multicenter CMR study enrolled 786 patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. CMR parameters (infarct size, myocardial salvage index, microvascular obstruction, and myocardial function) were assessed 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2-4) days post-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and compared between patients with or without AF during hospitalization. Major adverse cardiac events were assessed as a composite of all-cause death, reinfarction, and new congestive heart failure at 12 months. AF was documented in 48 (6.1%) patients. There was no significant difference in infarct size (18 [IQR, 9-29]% versus 17 [IQR, 9-25]% of left ventricular mass; P=0.340), myocardial salvage index (51 [IQR, 34-69] versus 51 [IQR, 33-69]; P=0.830), or microvascular obstruction (0.6 [IQR, 0-2.0]% versus 0.0 [IQR, 0-1.8]% of left ventricular mass; P=0.340) between groups. Patients with AF had significantly lower left ventricular (47 [IQR, 34-54]% versus 51 [IQR, 44-58]%; P=0.003) and left atrial (42 [IQR, 17-57]% versus 53 [IQR, 45-59]%; P<0.001) ejection fraction. AF was associated with major adverse cardiac events, even when adjusting for clinical risk factors (odds ratio, 2.48 [95% confidence interval, 1.22-5.03]; P=0.0120) or CMR prognosis markers (odds ratio, 3.77 [95% confidence interval, 1.83-7.79]; P=0.001). Conclusions - This CMR study found no major differences in myocardial salvage, infarct size, or microvascular damage in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction or without AF. AF was, however, associated with cardiac dysfunction and independently related to major adverse cardiac events.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere004299
JournalCirculation: Cardiovascular Imaging
Volume11
Issue number2
ISSN1941-9651
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.02.2018

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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