Left atrial volume and the risk of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a common complication of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, often leading to acute or progressive heart failure and cerebral infarction. We assessed the echocardiographic data of 141 consecutive patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with and without PAF. In all, 31 patients (22%) had a history of PAF with spontaneous conversion to in sinus rhythm. Left atrial volume and left atrial volume indexed to body surface area were significantly increased for patients with PAF compared with those without PAF. Maximum left atrial volume was the most sensitive and specific parameter for the occurrence of PAF in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.