Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

Assessment of silent microembolism by magnetic resonance imaging after cardioversion in atrial fibrillation

María Vázquez1, Eloísa Santos, Iria Rodriguez

  • 1Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Povisa, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain. macrisvc@yahoo.es

Revista Espanola De Cardiologia (English Ed.)
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation did not cause new brain lesions. However, many patients with persistent atrial fibrillation had silent ischemic lesions on MRI scans.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia.
  • Electrical cardioversion is a treatment for atrial fibrillation.
  • The risk of stroke after cardioversion is a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the risk of acute ischemic brain lesions after electrical cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation.
  • To evaluate neurological changes following the procedure.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective analysis of 62 patients undergoing electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.
  • Brain MRI (including diffusion-weighted sequences) performed before and 24 hours after cardioversion.
  • Neurological examinations using NIH Stroke Scale and Rankin Scale before and after the procedure.

Main Results:

  • 85% of patients successfully reverted to sinus rhythm.
  • No significant neurological changes or new acute ischemic brain lesions were observed after cardioversion.
  • Pre-procedure MRI revealed microvascular disease in 56% of patients; 2 had known cerebrovascular disease.

Conclusions:

  • Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation appears safe regarding acute ischemic brain lesions.
  • A significant proportion of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation have pre-existing silent ischemic brain lesions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques06:29

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Published on: June 11, 2019

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System10:17

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

Published on: April 11, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...