[Transient ST segment elevation after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Artificial heart valve implantation is a common procedure.
• Atrial fibrillation (MP) is a frequent complication post-cardiac surgery.
• Electrical cardioversion (KE) is used to restore normal sinus rhythm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the occurrence and characteristics of transient ST segment elevation (uST) on ECG immediately after KE in patients with artificial heart valves.
• To identify factors correlating with the occurrence of uST in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Electrocardiograms (ECG) were analyzed immediately following KE in 50 patients (30F, 20M) aged 47±8 who had undergone artificial heart valve implantation.
• Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between uST and various clinical parameters.

Main Results:

• Transient ST segment elevation (uST) was observed in 52% of patients (15F, 9M), with an average amplitude of 2±0.7 mV and duration of 1.5±0.8 minutes.
• uST occurrence significantly correlated with an enlarged left atrium, higher energy delivered during KE, and a history of multiple cardiosurgical operations.
• uST was not dependent on the duration of MP, KE efficacy, BMI, or the time elapsed since the operation.

Conclusions:

• Transient ST segment elevation is a common finding after electrical cardioversion in patients with artificial heart valves.
• Factors such as left atrial size, delivered cardioversion energy, and prior surgical history are associated with uST occurrence.
• uST following KE in this cohort is independent of atrial fibrillation duration, cardioversion success, BMI, and time post-operation.