Objectives: Detection of the echocardiographic predictors of post-operative atrial fibrillation in patients
with rheumatic mitral valve disease undergoing mitral valve replacement.
Methods: The study included 50 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease undergoing mitral valve
replacement. Preoperative assessment included standard two-dimensional echocardiography to assess
LA diameter, volume, and emptying fraction, LV volume and ejection fraction. TDI derived velocity, strain
of the left atrium and speckle tracking to assess left ventricular function then postoperative follow up for
1 month for occurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Results: The incidence of postoperative AF was 44%; these patients were significantly older (P = 0.001)
and show higher prevalence of DM (P = 0.001) and HTN (P = 0.001). Also, LA diameters (anteroposterior,
transverse and longitudinal) and LA volumes (maximal and minimal) were increased
(P < 0.001), but no difference in LA emptying fraction (P > 0.05). Systolic LA strain and left ventricular global
longitudinal strain were significantly reduced in those patients (P value