New insights into the predictors of left atrial stunning after successful direct-current cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and flutter.

Background: Direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter commonly causes post-DCCV left atrial (LA) stunning (LAS), which may potentiate thromboembolic complications. Data on LAS determinants are inconclusive.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated LA and LA appendage function before and immediately after DCCV of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in 59 consecutive patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiographically guided DCCV to determine predictors of post-DCCV LAS.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein: a novel predictor for recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful cardioversion.

Objectives: We sought to test the hypothesis that C-reactive protein (CRP) can predict the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful electrical cardioversion (CV).

Background: In patients with AF, CRP levels are predictive of immediate failure of CV.

Methods: We prospectively measured high-sensitivity CRP in 67 patients with AF or atrial flutter who underwent successful electrical CV.