Temporal Changes in Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Left Atrial Substrate After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation:...

Ganglionated plexi (GPs) within epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are involved in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF), yet the effects of catheter ablation on EAT volume and GP activity remain unclear.

A prospective 2-part study was conducted. Study 1 included 120 patients undergoing initial AF ablation, with pre- and 1-year postablation computed tomography used to assess changes in EAT and left atrial wall characteristics. Body composition, biomarkers, and echocardiographic variables were also evaluated. Study 2 included 20 patients undergoing redo ablation for recurrent AF, in whom vagal responses elicited by high-frequency stimulation in 5 major left atrial GP areas were compared.

In study 1, significant reductions in total EAT (median, 116 [interquartile range (IQR), 86-153] to 103 [IQR, 71-138] mL; P<0.001) and left atrial EAT (median, 31 [IQR, 21-44] to 28 [IQR, 18-38] mL; P<0.001) were observed in patients without AF recurrence. In contrast, AF recurrence was associated with increases in total EAT (median, 112 [IQR, 77-161] to 133 [IQR, 85-171] mL; P<0.001), left atrial EAT (median, 30 [IQR, 19-45] to 35 [IQR, 25-56] mL; P<0.001), and decreased EAT computed tomography values. Multivariable analysis showed that AF recurrence was significantly associated with changes in EAT volume. In study 2, GP responses reemerged during redo ablation, particularly in the inferior right GP, alongside increases in EAT volume.

Postablation maintenance of sinus rhythm was associated with a reduction in EAT volume. AF recurrence was associated with EAT expansion, compositional changes, and GP reactivation. Further investigation is needed to clarify clinical implications of these findings.