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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Method for the Visualization and Assessment of Specific Parameters of the Pulmonary Veins
Published on: October 28, 2020
Pulmonary vein variants predispose to atrial fibrillation: a case-control study using multislice contrast-enhanced
Alex Bittner1, Gerold Mönnig, Ann Janine Vagt
1Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Division of Experimental and Clinical Electrophysiology, Hospital of University of Münster, Germany.
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) more frequently exhibit a left common ostium (LCO) of pulmonary veins (PV), suggesting LCO may predispose individuals to AF. This anatomical variant was observed with an odds ratio of 2.1 in AF patients compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pulmonary veins (PV) are crucial in atrial fibrillation (AF) pathogenesis.
- Anatomical variants of PV are linked to increased arrhythmogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of PV anatomical variants and ostial diameters between AF patients and controls.
- To investigate the association between PV variants and AF development.
Main Methods:
- Multislice contrast-enhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) was used.
- 166 consecutive AF patients undergoing ablation and a matched control group were analyzed.
- Two independent observers evaluated PV variants, including left common ostium (LCO) and long common trunk (LCT), and ostial diameters.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of LCO was found in the AF group (33.7%) compared to controls (19.9%), with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.1 (P=0.004).
- No significant differences were observed in other PV variants.
- PV ostial diameters were larger in AF patients (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of LCO in AF patients, suggesting it may play a predisposing role in AF development.
- LCO represents a significant anatomical variant associated with atrial fibrillation.
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