Using 320-Detector CT to Measure Heart Tissue Fibrosis in Adults with Atrial Fibrillation Before Catheter Ablation Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the link between myocardial fibrosis and outcomes in patients with Atrial Fibrillation AF after catheter ablation. The study focuses on using Cardiac CT to measure left ventricular extracellular volume ECV as a sign of fibrosis. It aims to see if higher ECV levels are connected to greater risks of AF returning, hospitalizations, and poor heart function recovery. This could help guide AF treatment decisions. Participants who are referred for catheter ablation will undergo an extra CT scan to measure ECV before the procedure. This is done during the standard pre-ablation cardiac CT that maps heart anatomy. The study uses a 320-detector CT to quantify ECV, a widely available and high-resolution method compared to MRI. The research assesses if ECV expansion relates to AF burden. During the study, outcomes such as AF recurrence and cardiovascular-related emergency visits or hospitalizations will be tracked for up to 90 days after the procedure. Heart function changes will be measured by ejection fraction, and quality of life will be assessed using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life questionnaire. Participants will be monitored carefully during this period to evaluate these clinical outcomes.

320-detector Computed Tomography to Assess Myocardial Extracellular Volume Fraction in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Before AF Ablation.