Reduction of moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a progressive disease with high mortality and limited medical treatment options, and its association with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been documented. This study aimed to investigate whether successful rhythm control through catheter ablation for AF could reduce TR severity. METHODS: A total of 106 patients with drug-refractory AF with moderate to severe secondary TR who underwent AF ablation were screened from a single-centre ablation registry. Echocardiographic parameter changes (pre-procedure vs 1 day/1 year post-procedure) were analysed. Holter monitoring was performed at 3/6/12 months to assess AF recurrence. The primary outcome was at least one grade TR reduction with its main determinants evaluated. RESULTS: After excluding 36 patients (prior tricuspid valve surgery, intracardiac devices or insufficient data), 70 patients (aged 63.8±9.7 years, 50% female) were analysed. Of these, 17 (24.3%) had severe TR, 55 (78.6%) persistent AF and all restored sinus rhythm with catheter ablation. The primary outcome was achieved in 53 (75.7%) at 1-year assessment (73.6% of moderate and 82.4% of severe TR). There were significant decreases of vena contracta (6.1→3.2 mm) and tricuspid annular diameter (37.3→32.6 mm) at 1 year. Although 25 patients experienced AF recurrence within 1 year, 56 (80%) patients finally maintained sinus rhythm with medical treatment (87% in patients with TR reduction and 59% without). From the multivariate analysis, sinus rhythm maintenance was the most significant determinant of TR reduction (OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.8 to 37.4). CONCLUSION: In patients with AF with moderate to severe TR, more than two-thirds of patients experienced reduced TR severity, with notable improvements in echocardiographic parameters. Sinus rhythm maintenance was associated with significant TR reduction.