European heart journal cardiovascular Imaging
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Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging · Jan 2014
ReviewRole of imaging in assessment of atrial fibrosis in patients with atrial fibrillation: state-of-the-art review.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world. Despite the large number of studies focused on the causes and mechanisms of AF, it remains a clinical challenge. ⋯ However, a validated noninvasive method for assessment of atrial fibrosis in clinical practice is lacking. In this review, we aim to present an update about the origins and mechanisms of atrial remodelling, particularly focusing on atrial fibrosis, and compare imaging techniques that can detect atrial changes and greatly contribute to the clinical management of patients with AF.