P-wave remodeling measured with magnetocardiography in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation

normal LVEF, NT-proBNP values before CV were above the reference normal values ( 280 pg/ml) in all but one patient. Nine patients (33%) had an early atrial fibrillation recurrence (within 3 weeks). Persistence of sinus rhythm was associated with a significant reduction in NT-proBNP values (from 672 280 to 337 230 pg/ml; p 0.001). No significant differences were instead observed in the subjects with an early recurrence . No correlation was found between NT-proBNP values and, respectively, duration of AF, ejection fraction, left atrial diameter and HRV parameters. A strong correlation was found instead with left appendage emptying velocity (r -0.73; p 0.001). Conclusions: These data indicate that in patients with persistent AF, abnormal atrial dynamics are strongly associated with NT-proBNP levels. Recovery of sinus rhythm is accompanied by a rapid reduction of NTproBNP values likely to be due to the restoration of a more physiological hemodynamic function in the atria.