Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between multislice computed tomography (MSCT)-derived parameters characterizing atrial enlargement and the frequency of emergency hospitalizations after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: The study included 52 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, who presented criteria for interventional rhythm control strategies and underwent MSCT evaluation prior to ablation. Results: The majority of emergency hospital admissions were due to heart failure caused by high-frequency arrhythmia (90.33%), or by cardioembolic complications, causing acute stroke (9.67%). The number of emergency referrals was significantly increased in cases of moderately enlarged left atrial volume (69.23%), and re-admission was necessary for over three quarters of the patients with highly enlarged left atrial volume (76.92%, p = 0.02). The average recurrence rate of AF following ablation therapy was 28.84% during the one-year follow-up, being 0% for volumes 109.5 mL (p = 0.01). Conclusion: A large volume of the left atrium, determined by MSCT, is associated with a higher risk of emergency rehospitalizations following catheter ablation of AF.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a reliable screening method of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). CCTA is capable to assess both coronary stenosis and plaque morphology, but does not provide hemodynamic characterization of the coronary lesions. However, the severity of coronary stenosis does not always reflect the hemodynamic significance of the plaque. Invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) is considered the gold standard for the functional evaluation of a potential ischemia-causing stenosis. FFR derived from CCTA (FFR-CT) is a new noninvasive diagnostic tool, using a typically acquired CCTA, without the need for any further radiation or medication. Additional functional assessment of the coronary lesions permits a more complex characterization of CAD patients. Based on the FFR-CT examination, patients who need invasive coronary intervention can be selected more precisely, and a more personalized and optimized treatment can be provided.

Recent studies demonstrated that despite restoration of the sinus rhythm, patients with a positive history of atrial fibrillation (AF) are still at risk of thromboembolic events. The primary objective of this study is to identify new imaging-derived biomarkers provided by modern imaging technologies, such as cardiac computed tomography angiography, delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging, or speckle tracking echocardiography, as well as hematological biomarkers, associated with the risk of intracavitary thrombosis in patients with AF, in order to identify the imaging-derived characteristics associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic events. Imaging data collected will be post-processed using advanced techniques of computational modeling, in order to fully characterize the degree of structural remodeling and the amount of atrial fibrosis. The primary endpoint of the study is represented by the rate of thromboembolic events. The rate of cardiovascular death, the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events, and the rate of AF recurrence will also be determined in relation to the degree of structural remodeling and atrial fibrosis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent form of supraventricular arrhythmia in medical practice. It is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the atria, which often leads to irregular and fast ventricular contractions. Pulmonary veins (PV) play an essential part in the genesis of AF. There are a series of risk factors that trigger the development and recurrence of AF after PV isolation. Despite advanced medical technology, the success rate of AF ablation is not satisfactory. The purpose of this study is to assess the preprocedural imaging and serum biomarkers linked to an increased recurrence of AF after PV isolation. The primary endpoint is represented by AF recurrence after PV isolation. In addition, the rate of cardiovascular death and the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events will be assessed in relation to the enlargement of the left atrium and the volume of epicardial adipose tissue surrounding the heart.

Invasively determined fractional flow reserve (FFR) represents the gold-standard method for the functional evaluation of coronary lesions. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) provides characterization of the coronary anatomy, with important morphological information on the atherosclerotic plaques, but does not offer a hemodynamic evaluation of coronary artery lesions. CT evaluation of FFR (FFRCT) is a new noninvasive diagnostic method, which provides anatomical and functional assessment of the whole coronary tree, based on computational techniques, with no more radiation or hyperemic agent administration compared with routine CCTA. Recent studies demonstrated the safety and accuracy of FFRCT and its therapeutic use and cost benefits in real-world clinical use.