Pericardial Effusion Provoking Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

TitlePericardial Effusion Provoking Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: JACC Review Topic of the Week.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsGaudino M, Di Franco A, Rong LQ, Cao D, Pivato CA, Soletti GJ, Chadow D, Cancelli G, Olaria RPerezgrova, Gillinov M, J DiMaio M, Girardi LN
JournalJ Am Coll Cardiol
Volume79
Issue25
Pagination2529-2539
Date Published2022 Jun 28
ISSN1558-3597
Abstract

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery. Patients who develop POAF are more likely to experience adverse outcomes, including increased rates of death, stroke, heart failure, and hospitalizations, and higher hospital costs. Understanding the mechanisms underlying POAF is important to improve patients' outcome and optimize health systems' efficiency. Beyond classic pathogenic hypotheses, emerging evidence suggests that postoperative pericardial effusion and localized pericardial inflammation may trigger POAF. This hypothesis is supported by data from nonhuman animal models and a growing body of evidence showing that reducing postoperative pericardial effusion might reduce POAF incidence. In this review, we summarize the classic pathophysiology theories of POAF following cardiac surgery and discuss new etiologic mechanisms with a specific focus on the role of pericardial effusion and inflammation.

DOI10.1016/j.jacc.2022.04.029
Alternate JournalJ Am Coll Cardiol
PubMed ID35738715