Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Atrial Heart Disease as a Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation After Myocardial Revascularization Surgery

Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Atrial Heart Disease as a Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation After Myocardial Revascularization Surgery

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in 20-40% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and is a marker of atrial vulnerability. It is strongly associated with AF recurrence, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. It presents risk factors with atrial heart disease.

The latter refers to all structural, electrical, and mechanical alterations of the atrium that create a substrate conducive to AF.

Multiparametric cardiac MRI is currently the most comprehensive test for assessing atrial heart disease, thanks to its structural and functional analysis (atrial fibrosis, atrial strain, intracavitary 4D flow). However, to date, no prospective study has evaluated these parameters as predictors of AF recurrence after CAP. At the same time, an implantable Holter monitor will be used to enable detailed and continuous detection of recurrence episodes, overcoming the limitations of conventional monitoring strategies. By combining multiparametric imaging, histological analysis, and continuous monitoring for the first time, this study proposes a paradigm shift in the assessment of postoperative AF: moving from a descriptive and ad hoc approach to a mechanistic, integrative, and predictive approach.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Indication for surgical myocardial revascularization by isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, to be performed in the cardiac surgery department of Saint-Étienne University Hospital.
• Patient affiliated with or entitled to social security coverage
• Patient who has received informed information about the study and has co-signed, with the investigator, a consent form to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication related to cardiac MRI
• Contraindication related to ILR implantation
• Documented history of atrial fibrillation
• Concomitant indication for valve surgery or other associated cardiac intervention
• Inability to understand French
• Patient refusal to participate in the study and/or inability to express consent or sign the informed consent form
• Patient subject to legal protection measures