Comparison of left atrial strain and p wave dispersion as a predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) complicates 15% to 40% of cardiovascular surgeries. This arrhythmia though transient can increase the risk of embolic stroke, prolonged hospital stay and cardiovascular mortality.  Alterations in oxidative stress, calcium handling, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, fibrosis, and tissue aging are among the mechanisms that predispose patients to the “atrial stormâ€. Manifestations of these mechanisms have been related to enlarged atria and impaired function, which can be detected prior to surgery. Alterations in the atrial reservoir and pump function, as well as atrial dyssynchrony determined by echocardiographic atrial strain, can predict POAF and help to shed light on which patients could benefit from preventive therapy. Currently, there is no one reliable way to determine preoperatively which patients will develop POAF following CABG. The aim of this study is to determine whether preoperative left atrial strain assessment and P wave dispersion can identify patients who likely to develop POAF following CABG.