Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
08:56

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic atrial fibrillation

Petri O Tuomainen1, Jarkko Magga, Jan Fedacko

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
|July 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) had smaller left ventricular size despite other unfavorable factors compared to those in sinus rhythm (SR). Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Biomedical Research

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent comorbidity in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC).
  • Understanding the clinical differences between IDC patients with chronic AF and those with sinus rhythm (SR) is crucial for patient management.
  • This study investigates the characteristics of IDC patients stratified by cardiac rhythm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical characteristics of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with chronic atrial fibrillation versus those in sinus rhythm.
  • To identify potential differences in cardiac structure, function, and biomarkers between these two groups.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients underwent comprehensive non-invasive and invasive assessments.
  • Patients were categorized into two groups: chronic atrial fibrillation (n=19) and sinus rhythm (n=68).
  • Clinical data, cardiac dimensions, hemodynamic parameters, and biomarker levels were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The atrial fibrillation group exhibited a larger left atrial diameter, smaller left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and reduced left ventricular volumes compared to the sinus rhythm group.
  • Elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and interleukin-6 levels were observed in the AF group.
  • Despite these differences, left ventricular ejection fraction and end-diastolic pressure were similar between the groups, with lower cardiac output and maximal oxygen consumption in the AF group.

Conclusions:

  • Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with chronic atrial fibrillation presented with smaller left ventricular dimensions, a finding that contrasts with their generally poorer prognostic factor profile.
  • This paradoxical observation regarding left ventricular size in the context of chronic AF warrants further investigation.
  • Larger patient cohorts are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Abstract

Keywords:
dilatationimagingleft ventricleprognostic factorssinus rhythm

More Related Videos

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation08:10

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

Published on: July 20, 2022

Isolation of Atrial Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction08:31

Isolation of Atrial Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: July 26, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...