Left Atrial Reverse Remodeling in Patients Supported With Durable Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Clinical Implications | Circulation: Heart Failure
BACKGROUND: The left atrium (LA) maintains a dynamic interaction with the left ventricular (LV). LA forward and reverse remodeling affect prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure. We examined LA reverse remodeling in patients supported with LV assist devices (LVADs) and investigated a potential impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive advanced patients with heart failure receiving durable, continuous-flow LVADs were prospectively evaluated (n=263). After excluding patients with unavailable echocardiographic data, 241 patients were studied. Echocardiographic assessment was performed pre- and serially post-LVAD implantation. We assessed LA and LV structure and function and their association, and the impact of LA reverse remodeling on all-cause mortality, LVAD-related adverse events, and atrial fibrillation (AF). RESULTS: Most patients were male, white, with a mean age of 56±15 years. Forty-four percent had underlying ischemic cardiomyopathy; 65% were Interagency Registry
