Left atrial and appendage mechanical function after pharmacological or electrical cardioversion in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation: a multicenter, randomized study.

Abstract

Even a long period of atrial fibrillation does not lead to a marked depression of global left atrial and left atrial appendage function 48 hours after the restoration of sinus rhythm by means of electrical or pharmacological cardioversion. There is no evidence that electrical cardioversion causes greater post-cardioversion atrial and/or appendage dysfunction than pharmacological treatment after 48 hours. Pre-treatment with verapamil may have reduced the dysfunction (probably because of a reduction in mechanical remodeling during atrial fibrillation).