A Sphincter-like Function of Pulmonary Vein Ostia in Normal and Atrial Fibrillation Subjects
Background: Early anatomical study suggested that the pulmonary vein (PVs) junction may have putative sphincter-like activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate this activity in normal and paroxysmal/persistent atrial fibrillation subjects. Methods: The Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) scans of...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3425/12/6/203 |
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| Summary: | Background: Early anatomical study suggested that the pulmonary vein (PVs) junction may have putative sphincter-like activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate this activity in normal and paroxysmal/persistent atrial fibrillation subjects. Methods: The Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) scans of 45 subjects [15 normal controls, 15 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAR-AF), and 15 with persistent AF (PER-AF)] were retrospectively analyzed. All subjects were in sinus rhythm during the CCT scan. A 3D anatomical model was developed, enabling us to identify the PV ostia and to measure their area dynamic changes during the cardiac cycle. Results: The area changes in the superior PVs within the three groups were significantly higher compared to the inferior (control <i>p</i> = 0.007, PAR-AF <i>p</i> = 0.0003, PER-AF <i>p</i> = 0.04). Moreover, these variations were significantly reduced in PAR-AF and PER-AF compared to the control in all PVs (LSPV (<i>p</i> < 0.001), RSPV (<i>p</i> < 0.001), RIPV (<i>p</i> = 0.037), and LIPV (<i>p</i> < 0.001)). Conclusions: This sphincter-like activity, most prominent in superior PVs, is progressively impaired in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF. |
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| ISSN: | 2308-3425 |