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Recent atrial fibrillation in acute myocardial infarction: a sign of pericarditis
12nd Internal Clinic, University Hospital Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic.
Insights
Recent atrial fibrillation during myocardial infarction may signal silent pericardial effusion. This study suggests pericarditis plays a role in developing atrial fibrillation in heart attack patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a common complication during acute myocardial infarction.
- Pericarditis and pericardial effusion can occur following myocardial infarction.
- The relationship between these conditions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between recent atrial fibrillation and pericarditis or pericardial effusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
- To determine if echocardiographic findings of pericardial effusion correlate with the incidence of atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Serial echocardiographic examinations were performed in 192 patients with their first myocardial infarction.
- Clinical pericarditis, echocardiographic pericardial effusion, and atrial fibrillation were assessed.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with and without pericardial effusion.
Main Results:
- Clinical pericarditis was observed in 8% of patients.
- Echocardiographic pericardial effusion was detected in 43% of patients.
- Atrial fibrillation occurred in 5% of all patients, significantly higher (15%) in those with more than minimal pericardial effusion compared to those without (2%, p = 0.0094).
Conclusions:
- Pericarditis may contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation during acute myocardial infarction.
- Recent atrial fibrillation could be an indicator of pericardial effusion, even when clinically silent.
- Echocardiography is crucial for detecting pericardial effusion and understanding its association with atrial fibrillation post-myocardial infarction.
Abstract:
The association between recent atrial fibrillation during the course of acute myocardial infarction and pericarditis or pericardial effusion occurring during the hospital phase of myocardial infarction was studied by means of serial echocardiographic examinations in 192 patients presenting with their first myocardial infarction. Clinical pericarditis was found in 8%, echocardiographic effusion in 43%, and atrial fibrillation in 5% of all patients. Atrial fibrillation was present in only 2% of patients without pericardial effusion compared to 15% of patients with more than minimal effusion (p = 0.0094). Thus, pericarditis might play a role in the development of recent atrial fibrillation during the course of myocardial infarction. Recent atrial fibrillation may be a sign of pericardial effusion which may be otherwise silent.