Visualization of the radiofrequency lesion after pulmonary vein isolation using delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging fused with magnetic resonance angiography.

Journal of arrhythmia · 2015 · Unclear · Low evidence

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UnclearLow evidencePaper 3003

In 18 post-ablation patients, DE-MRI fused with MRA was successfully performed in all cases and produced significantly higher image quality scores for RF lesion visualization than DE-MRI alone for both observers (p<0.001).

Study snapshot

PublicationJournal of arrhythmia · 2015

Study typeother

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The radiofrequency (RF) lesions for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can be visualized by delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI). However, the quality of anatomical information provided by DE-MRI is not adequate due to its spatial resolution. In contrast, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides similar information regarding the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) as computed tomography angiography. We hypothesized that DE-MRI fused with MRA will compensate for the inadequate image quality provided by DE-MRI. METHODS: DE-MRI and MRA were performed in 18 patients who underwent AF ablation (age, 60±9 years; LA diameter, 42±6 mm). Two observers independently assessed the DE-MRI and DE-MRI fused with MRA for visualization of the RF lesion (score 0-2; where 0: not visualized and 2: excellent in all 14 segments of the circular RF lesion). RESULTS: DE-MRI fused with MRA was successfully performed in all patients. The image quality score was significantly higher in DE-MRI fused with MRA compared to DE-MRI alone (observer 1: 22 (18, 25) vs 28 (28, 28), p<0.001; observer 2: 24 (23, 25) vs 28 (28, 28), p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DE-MRI fused with MRA was superior to DE-MRI for visualization of the RF lesion owing to the precise information on LA and PV anatomy provided by DE-MRI.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeother

Effect directionunclear

PopulationPatients who underwent atrial fibrillation ablation

Sample size18

ExposureNot supplied

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

Visualization/image quality of radiofrequency lesion on delayed enhancement MRI (DE-MRI) vs DE-MRI fused with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
Image quality score (0–2 per segment; summed across 14 segments)

Limitations

Small sample size (n=18)
Outcome focused on imaging visualization/quality rather than health effects
No radiofrequency exposure parameters (e.g., frequency, power, duration) reported

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "radiofrequency ablation (cardiac)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Patients who underwent atrial fibrillation ablation",
  "sample_size": 18,
  "outcomes": [
    "Visualization/image quality of radiofrequency lesion on delayed enhancement MRI (DE-MRI) vs DE-MRI fused with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)",
    "Image quality score (0–2 per segment; summed across 14 segments)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In 18 post-ablation patients, DE-MRI fused with MRA was successfully performed in all cases and produced significantly higher image quality scores for RF lesion visualization than DE-MRI alone for both observers (p<0.001).",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Small sample size (n=18)",
    "Outcome focused on imaging visualization/quality rather than health effects",
    "No radiofrequency exposure parameters (e.g., frequency, power, duration) reported"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency lesion",
    "atrial fibrillation",
    "pulmonary vein isolation",
    "delayed enhancement MRI",
    "magnetic resonance angiography",
    "image fusion"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.joa.2014.10.003
PubMed: 26336549

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